Hemp thread: a sustainable fiber shaping the future of the textile industry

Hemp thread has become a central material in sustainable textile innovation. Long associated with rusticity, hemp is now recognized as a premium, natural and highly technical fiber suited for modern weaving mills and responsible brands. Strong, breathable and environmentally efficient, hemp is one of the most ecological fibers grown today.

At Safilin, our centuries-old spinning expertise made it natural for us to contribute to the reconstruction of a European hemp textile supply chain. Our new hemp yarn ranges represent a major milestone for high-quality weaving applications.

Hemp thread: a naturally sustainable fiber

Hemp is considered one of the most sustainable crops worldwide. It requires very little water, no irrigation, no pesticides and grows extremely fast. It regenerates soil, stores carbon and offers an unrivaled environmental profile.

Technically, hemp yarn offers high tensile strength, dimensional stability, breathability, thermoregulation and natural antibacterial performance. It competes with linen and cotton while displaying a significantly lower ecological footprint.

Flax and hemp blends are becoming a major trend, offering refined textures, high durability and a fully natural alternative to cotton or synthetics.

The new Safilin hemp thread collection

Safilin proudly introduces a new generation of hemp yarns designed for weaving:

✔ Natural washed hemp yarns: Nm 9.5, Nm 12, Nm 15  

✔ Bleached hemp yarns: Nm 10, Nm 13.5, Nm 16.5  

Natural washed yarns offer softness, brightness and high weaving stability.  

Bleached yarns provide clarity, uniformity and a contemporary aesthetic.

These developments strengthen the European hemp textile supply chain and support premium weaving.

hemp thread

Applications for hemp thread

The use of hemp thread in the textile industry has evolved far beyond its rustic origins. Today, hemp is valued for its versatility and technical performance, making it a strong contender for high-end weaving. Its tensile strength, stability and natural moisture-regulation make it an ideal fiber for weaving mills seeking durable and elegant fabrics.

In apparel, designers are rediscovering hemp for lightweight jackets, breathable shirts and structured contemporary pieces. In home textiles, hemp’s stability and abrasion resistance make it suitable for upholstery, curtains, cushions and decorative fabrics.

Blends such as flax and hemp combine the refinement of linen with the strength of hemp, reducing reliance on cotton or synthetics.

With the rise of sustainable fashion, hemp yarn is becoming a strategic material for brands focused on transparency and responsibility. Safilin’s latest yarn counts make hemp more versatile than ever for creative and premium applications.

External links — a global ecosystem supporting the hemp revival

The revival of hemp thread in Europe is supported by a growing ecosystem of institutions, associations and industrial actors. The European Flax & Hemp Alliance (CELC) and InterChanvre play key roles in coordinating agricultural sectors, defining quality standards and promoting hemp internationally.

La Chanvrière, one of Europe’s leading hemp processors, ensures reliable and high-quality fiber supply. Platforms like HempToday contribute to sharing global innovations, technical developments and sustainability initiatives.

Together, these actors support companies like Safilin and strengthen the reconstruction of a modern, responsible and competitive hemp textile supply chain.

With its new Nm 9.5, 12, 15 natural washed and Nm 10, 13.5, 16.5 bleached hemp yarns, Safilin positions itself as a key actor in the revival of high-quality European hemp spinning. Hemp thread is not only a sustainable choice—it is a material shaping the future of responsible textiles.