Hamppukuitu

Hamppukuitu is a natural bast fiber obtained from the hemp plant, typically Cannabis sativa L. aimed at fiber production. The fiber comes from the plant’s bast (the phloem in the stem) and is separated from the core material through retting and mechanical processing. After retting, the plant stalks are decorticated to remove bark and separated into long fibers for textile use and shorter fibers for other applications.

The fiber is known for its strength and durability, good moisture absorption, and breathability. It is relatively light and biodegradable, and it tends to have low elasticity, which makes it feel stiff compared to some other natural fibers. Long, high-quality hemp fibers are used in textiles and blends, while shorter fibers are used in nonwovens, paper, or composite materials. Hemp fibers can also be incorporated into construction materials, such as hemp-lime composites, and are used in various industrial applications including automotive interiors.

Production of hamppukuitu involves retting (dew, water, or enzymatic) to loosen the fibers from the stalk, followed by decortication and mechanical processing to separate and clean the fibers. The resulting fibers can then be spun into yarns for weaving or knitting, or used in nonwoven processes. The quality of the fiber depends on variety, retting method, and processing equipment.

In addition to textiles, hamppukuitu is valued for sustainability characteristics: hemp grows quickly, generally requires fewer pesticides than some competing crops, can improve soil conditions, and the fibers are renewable and biodegradable. Hemp fiber is often blended with other fibers to improve softness and texture while maintaining strength.