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Apr 27, 2021

Cellulose Fiber: Hemp, Linen & Ramie, a Guide to Sustainable Textiles.

Eco-friendly
Sustainable
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Recently, there have been more and more inquiries about cellulose fiber at ApparelX. Since biodegradable fabrics such as hemp, linen, and ramie all share the same Japanese name, Asa (linen), it can be confusing for some people. This time, let’s talk about the differences between these eco-friendly fabrics, shall we?


"Cellulose fiber" is a plant fiber obtained from the bast of a plant stem, and its main component is cellulose. The main characteristics of natural fiber are high hygroscopicity, excellent heat dissipation, and a cool feel when it touches the skin, so it is often used in spring and summer clothing.


Three popular cellulose fibers are: 

  • Linen: made from the flax plant 
  • Ramie: made from a type of nettle plant  
  • Hemp: made from cannabis. 


Linen


Pros: 

  • Natural fiber 
  • No pesticides or chemicals required 
  • Biodegradable 
  • Lightweight 
  • Breathable & heat-retaining 
  • Durable and long-lasting 
  • Easy to remove even if it gets dirty 
Cons: 
  • Wrinkles easily 
  • May need to be hand washed 


Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is cultivated in Europe, such as France and Belgium, and in relatively cool regions of China.

Linen made of solid fibers is strong and durable. When linen gets wet, it becomes stronger, resistant to repeated washing, and durable and long-lasting.

It is said that linen itself has natural antibacterial properties because the pectin contained in linen fibers makes it difficult for dirt to penetrate. It is hygienic and is widely used in fashion items, kitchen cloths, interior fabrics, and more because it is easy to remove even if it gets dirty, and fiber fuzz is less likely to adhere. 

Linen has a unique smoothness and elegant luster, does not tingle when touched, and is characterized by a soft feel. Since the linen fibers contain air in their hollows, the air warmed by body temperature wraps the body warmly in cold winter, and in humid seasons, it can release moisture well and feel smooth to the touch. It maintains a good balance of breathability and heat retention, and can be used comfortably all year round.  


Ramie 


Pros: 

  • Strong fiber 
  • Refreshing feel 
  • Natural fiber 
  • Biodegradable 
  • Durable and long-lasting 

Cons: 

  • May irritate sensitive skin. 


Ramie is made of natural fiber and is a kind of nettle family plant. Ramie is also called China grass, grass linen, grass cloth, or China linen. It is cultivated in warm and humid climates such as China, Brazil, and the Philippines.

Ramie fiber is thick and long, and has the highest strength among natural fibers. It has the greatest crispness among natural fibers, and even when it sweats, it does not stick to the skin and is not sticky. Because it quickly absorbs and releases sweat, it carries away the heat of vaporization and has a cool feel. 

Because the fibers are strong, the weaving yarn does not slip easily and the woven fabric has excellent breathability. It can withstand strong washing and can easily remove dirt and maintain cleanliness. Also, when it gets wet with water, the fiber strength improves, so it is suitable for summer when washing is frequent. 

Hemp 


Pros: 

  • Natural fiber 
  • No chemical processing required 
  • Requires less water than cotton (medium amount) 
  • Requires little to no pesticides 
  • Biodegradable 
  • Machine washable 

Cons: 

  • Low quantity.  

Hemp - cannabis is produced in Central Asia, China, Russia, Romania, and other regions. 

Hemp has a crisper texture than ramie or linen and is cool to the touch. Thread strength is weaker than ramie, but it has 8 times the tensile strength of cotton and 4 times the durability of cotton.

Hemp absorbs moisture and sweat and has excellent breathability. 

Since hemp is a thick and short fiber with a lot of variation, it is difficult to spin into thread. Hemp is a coarse and hard material, and thread neps and slubs are likely to occur. 

 

We hope this helps clear up your confusion and gives you a little suggestion for your eco-friendly garment collection. What is your favorite sustainable fabric that you discovered recently? For more sustainable fabrics, please visit our Sustainable Products Page.      

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Hi guys, my name is Jane and I'm from Vietnam .
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