Hemp fabrics
Hemp
fabric is made from the stems of the plant. The stems are processed to dissolve
the gum or pectin and separate the fibers, which are then processed again and
woven into yarns and fabric. Hemp fabric withstands water better than any other
textile product.
Hemp fabric has superior UV protection to cotton and with anti bacterial and
anti viral properties is ideal for asthma or allergy sufferers. It is extremely
absorbent and improves with washing and keeps it’s shape for years.
Hemp Gallery's range of fabrics includes 100% hemp and hemp blends, knits and and fabrics that are
woven by machines, or even by hand.
Hemp fabric can be used for many different applications:
- Curtains and blinds
- Upholstery
- Loose covers
- Bed linen
- Clothing
- Canvas for painting to name a few ...
Our organic cotton is from Turkey and is non-GMO Certified by SKAL.
Hemp Gallery imports most of its fabric from a state-owned and operated company
in China built during the 1960’s, under the rule of Chairman Mao Li.
In August 2007, Beatrice and Lindy went to China to see how the factory
operated and the conditions of their employees. They visited the head office and
factory, which is situated 40 minutes from a small town in the Shanxi Province.
A small town has grown around the factory itself to supply its 3,000 staff
and 5,000 living on the premises. Some employees live there full time with their
extended families, while those who live further away are given accommodation
during the week, and travel home to see their families on weekends and holidays.
The grandparents who have retired help look after the grandchildren, while the
parents go to work. There is a modern kindergarten and primary school on the
factory grounds.
Employees work a regular 8 hour day and are given a 2 hour lunch break.
Employees are entitled to regular holidays and maternity leave. Recently
musically talented staff members held a concert for the factory and surrounding
town, supported by management, the staff had 3 months leave to prepare for the
concert.
The factory was, and is maintained in a very clean condition, and all the
employees looked well happy. The management team are university qualified and a
job at the factory is highly sought after in the area.
The management was friendly and welcoming and spent a lot of time with us
including a walk through the factory even though we are very small market
compared to the US market.
The President was extremely proud of the fact that they are chemical free with
the exception of one process - retting (the first process used to speed up the
breakdown of the plant). The company is actively working with German scientists
to formulate a biological way to break down the hemp, thus eliminating the only
chemical process.
Beatrice and Lindy were very impressed by the general conditions and the
atmosphere in the factory and Hemp Gallery has no hesitation in dealing with
this company and selling their fabrics.
Beatrice visited again in February 2008 to discuss new ideas, develop and
expand our range of fabrics.
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