Carbon Footprint of Hemp

Hemp is a fast-growing plant fiber used in apparel and footwear for items like shirts, pants, shoes, and accessories, valued for its durability and breathability. The carbon footprint of hemp averages approximately 24.4 kg CO₂e per kg, making it a relatively low-impact natural fiber option compared to many conventional textiles.

What’s are the CO2e emissions of Hemp

What’s are the CO2e emissions of Hemp?

The carbon footprint Hemp generates approximately 24.3 kg CO2e per kg (median) and 24.4 kg CO2e per kg (average), with CO2 emissions Hemp produces primarily driven by agricultural inputs like fertilizers, field operations, and processing energy. Greenhouse gas emissions Hemp creates remain relatively moderate compared to synthetic fibers, though retting and fiber extraction processes contribute significantly.
  • Average footprint per kg: 24.4 kgCO2e
  • Median footprint per kg: 24.3 kgCO2e

Emissions by Process Step in Hemp Production

The footprint of Hemp includes emissions from multiple processing stages. The following process steps were identified as carbon hotspots for Hemp production:
  • Textile Formation: 41.6%
  • Preparation: 19.6%
  • Finishing: 12.7%
Emissions by Process Step in Hemp Production
How Does Hemp Compare to Alternatives?

How Does Hemp Compare to Alternatives?

Conventional hemp production generates 24.4 kg CO2e per kg of material, while organic cultivation methods result in a marginally higher footprint of 25.4 kg CO2e per kg, representing a 4% increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Virgin Hemp per kg: 24.4 kgCO2e
  • Organic Hemp per kg: 25.4 kgCO2e

Hemp Water Consumption

Hemp water consumption remains relatively efficient, with water usage Hemp averaging 26.8 m3 per kg for conventional production, while the water footprint Hemp per kg for organic cultivation reaches 28.0 m3 per kg.
  • Average water use per kg: 26.8 m3
  • Median water use per kg: 26.3 m3
Hemp Water Consumption

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References

Data sourced from Carbonfact’s proprietary database, powered by over 50 million LCAs run on textile, fashion, and footwear products. The methodology is aligned with the EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and adapted for product category specificity.

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