Hemp is one of the oldest natural fibres in the world – robust, durable, and versatile. However, not every product sold as a "hemp product" actually consists mainly of hemp. Find out what to look for when buying and why Rokhu relies on genuine hemp textiles with 100% hemp on the outside.
Hemp is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. For thousands of years, the plant has been used to make ropes, textiles, clothing, bags, sails, and many other everyday products. Today, hemp is experiencing a renaissance as more and more people seek natural, durable, and more environmentally conscious alternatives to synthetic materials.
However, when buying a "hemp product," there's an important point that is often overlooked:
How much hemp is actually in the product?
What is hemp?
Hemp comes from the plant Cannabis sativa, which has been cultivated by humans for millennia. Industrial hemp is grown for fibers, textiles, food, and various industrial applications, among other things.
Hemp fibers are primarily extracted from the stem of the plant. They are naturally robust and durable, making them excellent for manufacturing textiles and bags.
Hemp fabric also has a characteristic natural look and feel. Over time, the material can become softer without losing its natural resilience. This combination of robustness and pleasant feel is precisely what has made hemp a valuable textile material for generations.
Hemp has a long history
Hemp has been used for thousands of years. Historical evidence shows that hemp fibers were already used in various regions of Asia and other parts of the world for textiles, ropes, fishing nets, and numerous practical applications.
For centuries, hemp was an important cultivated plant because almost every part of the plant could be utilized. The durable fibers, in particular, were valuable long before modern synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon were developed.
With industrialization and the increasing spread of inexpensive synthetic materials, hemp lost significance in many areas.
Today, interest is growing again. Consumers are increasingly concerned about where materials come from, how they are made, and what properties they actually possess.
Hemp and ecology
A major advantage of hemp is its rapid growth. The plant can produce a large amount of biomass and fibers in a relatively short time.
Depending on cultivation conditions and agricultural practices, hemp can also thrive with relatively few agricultural aids. Its deep root system can contribute to soil structure, while the plant's rapid growth helps to naturally suppress weeds.
Nevertheless, one should not claim that hemp is automatically a "climate-neutral" or entirely environmentally friendly solution. The actual environmental footprint of a textile product depends on the entire supply chain – from cultivation to processing and dyeing, to manufacturing, transportation, and, most importantly, the product's lifespan.
However, an important point remains:
A durable natural product that is used for many years is different from an inexpensive product that needs to be replaced quickly.
The problem with "hemp products"
It's worth taking a closer look at the materials here.
A product can be labeled as a "hemp bag," "hemp textile," or "hemp accessory" even if it contains only a relatively small proportion of hemp. Hemp is often mixed with cotton, polyester, or other materials.
Mixing different fibers is not inherently bad. It can improve certain properties or reduce manufacturing costs.
However, it becomes problematic when consumers automatically assume that a large part of the product actually consists of hemp when they hear the term "hemp."
For example, two bags can both be sold as "hemp bags" yet have completely different hemp content.
This difference is important for the customer.
Why 100% hemp costs more
At Rokhu, we take a different approach.
Our hemp products are made externally from 100% hemp linen or hemp textile. Cotton may be used for the internal construction if required for the product's shape, stability, and necessary structure.
However, the visible and tangible outer material of our products is made of genuine hemp.
This is one reason why Rokhu hemp products can have a higher price compared to many cheaper products.
We do not try to merely make a product look like a hemp product while using only a small proportion of hemp fiber to keep the price as low as possible.
We focus on genuine hemp.
Therefore, when you buy a Rokhu hemp bag, you are not just paying for the name "hemp," but for a product whose outer material actually consists of high-quality hemp textile.
Cheaper doesn't automatically mean better
When comparing hemp products, price alone is often not very informative.
A bag for 20 Euros and a bag for 50 Euros can both be offered as "hemp bags." However, this does not mean that they are made of the same materials or possess the same quality and durability.
Therefore, when buying, it is worth taking a closer look:
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What is the actual hemp content?
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Is the material used clearly specified?
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Is the hemp fabric mixed with synthetic fibers?
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What material is the exterior made of?
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How sturdy and durable is the craftsmanship?
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Is the product designed for long-term use?
The cheapest product is not automatically the most economical or sustainable choice if it needs to be replaced after a short time.
Hemp and the circular economy
Hemp also aligns well with the core principles of a more sustainable and circular economy.
A circular economy aims to keep products and materials in use for as long as possible and to avoid unnecessary waste.
Durable products play an important role in this.
A high-quality hemp bag can be used for many years for shopping, travel, work, or everyday life. Instead of viewing a bag as a short-term fashion accessory, it can become a reliable companion in daily life.
The longer a product is used, the longer the resources and energy invested in its production can fulfill a purpose.
Why we chose hemp at Rokhu
At Rokhu, we want natural materials to be more than just a marketing term.
Our philosophy is simple:
Use genuine materials. Create useful products. Build quality that brings long-lasting joy.
Hemp combines many remarkable properties. The fiber is natural, robust, durable, and has its own unique look and feel. At the same time, it has a history spanning millennia.
For us, hemp is therefore more than a trend.
We are convinced that a product should not only contain a small proportion of hemp to be marketed as a "hemp product."
That's why we use hemp textiles as the outer material for our hemp products. The exterior consists of 100% hemp, while cotton is used internally where it makes sense for the necessary construction and stability.
When you buy Rokhu, you know what you're getting.
Not just a bag that says "Hemp."
But a genuine hemp product for people who value natural materials, quality, durability, and honest product information.
Hemp – a millennia-old material for the future
Hemp is not a new invention, nor is it a short-term trend. It is a millennia-old natural fiber that is being rediscovered today.
The more consumers want to know where products come from and what materials they are actually made of, the more important transparency and honest material declarations become.
The future of sustainable products may not lie in buying more and more.
But in buying more consciously, understanding materials, and choosing products that can be used for a long time.
And sometimes, some of the best ideas for the future are already found in materials that humanity has known for thousands of years.