Hemp fibers derived from Cannabis sativa L. have experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past few decades, establishing themselves as one of the most sought-after fibers. This article delves into the intricacies of the hemp production chain, offering a comprehensive understanding from field to fiber. Key aspects covered include the botany of hemp, cultivation requirements, the impact of various factors on plant growth, the harvesting process, different methods of fiber extraction, fibers properties, and suitable spinning processes. Recent studies of hemp’s Life Cycle Assessment are explored, shedding light on how it compares to other sustainable crops and providing insights into the true sustainability of hemp, substantiated by numerical data. The article also addresses challenges encountered throughout the hemp production chain and speculates on future directions that may unfold in the coming years. The overall goal of this study is to provide a knowledge base encompassing every facet of hemp fiber production. It elucidates how different technological approaches and the technical properties of fibers play pivotal roles in determining their ultimate applications. By offering a comprehensive overview, this article contributes to the broader understanding of hemp as a valuable and sustainable resource in the textile industry.

In response to increasing environmental concerns, significant efforts have been made to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics, driving the development of sustainable alternatives such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). This study investigates the processing of various PHAs into fibres, focusing on their morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties. Different PHAs were spun into fibres at a 15% (w/v) concentration using wet-spinning techniques. Among the PHAs studied, commercially available PHBHHx, used as a reference, exhibited spongy morphology in the fibres and demonstrated thermal vulnerability due to its rapid degradation. Blended fibres showed enhanced morphological and mechanical properties compared with neat fibres. In Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), no differences were observed between the unprocessed polymers and the wet-spun polymeric fibres, indicating that the wet-spinning process did not affect the molecular structure of the polymers. Thermal and mechanical evaluations confirmed the miscibility between the polymers in the blends. Overall, these results highlight, for the first time, the successful production of wet-spun fibres from two modified P(3HB) variants, individually, in combination with each other, and in blends with the well-established commercial PHA, PHBHHx. However, this study also underscores the need to optimise feed rates to enhance fibre production efficiency and mechanical strength, thereby broadening their potential for various applications.

In response to the increasing environmental concerns, significant efforts have been made to reduce the reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics, driving the development of sustainable alternatives such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). This study investigates the processing of various PHAs into fibres, focusing on their morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties. Different PHAs were spun into fibres at a 15% (w/v) con-centration using wet spinning techniques. Among the PHAs studied, commercially available PHBHHx, used as a reference, exhibited a spongy morphology in the fibres and demonstrated thermal vulnerability due to its rapid degradation. Blended fibres showed enhanced morphological and mechanical properties compared to neat fibres. In Fouri-er-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), no differences were observed between the unprocessed polymers and the wet spun polymeric fibres, indicating that the wet spinning process did not affect the molecular structure of the polymers. Thermal and mechanical evaluations confirmed the miscibility between the polymers in the blends. Overall, these results highlight the potential of polymer blending to enhance fibre functionality and broaden their application potential. However, the study also empha-sizes the need to explore optimized feed rates to improve fibre production efficiency and increase their resistance, to enlarge their suitability for various applications.

Developing sustainable textile finishes that enhance moisture management and breathability remains a significant challenge in designing high-performance apparel. In this study, we propose an eco-friendly coating strategy utilizing an aqueous dispersion of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-diol (PHB.E.0), a member of the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family. This coating was applied to woven polyester (PES) and cotton (CO) fabrics using a low-impact spray-coating technique, aiming to improve functional properties while maintaining environmental sustainability. This solvent-free process significantly reduces chemical usage and energy demand, aligning with sustainable manufacturing goals. Successful deposition of the coating was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), elemental (C/O) analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which also revealed substrate-dependent thermal behaviour. Wettability, water absorption, and permeability tests showed that the coated fabrics retained their hydrophilic character. PHB.E.0 coatings led to a significant reduction in air permeability, particularly after hot pressing at 180 °C, from ≈670 to ≈171 L·m⁻² s⁻¹ for PES and from ≈50 to ≈30 L·m⁻²·s⁻¹ for CO, without compromising water vapor permeability. All coated samples maintained high breathability, essential for wearer comfort. These results demonstrate that PHB.E.0 coatings enhance wind resistance while preserving moisture vapor transport, offering a sustainable and effective solution for functional sportswear.

Developing sustainable textile finishes that enhance moisture management and breathability remains a significant challenge in designing high-performance apparel. In this study, we propose an eco-friendly coating strategy utilizing an aqueous dispersion of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-diol (PHB.E.0), a member of the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family. This coating was applied to woven polyester (PES) and cotton (CO) fabrics using a low-impact spray-coating technique, aiming to improve functional properties while maintaining environmental sustainability. This solvent-free process significantly reduces chemical usage and energy demand, aligning with sustainable manufacturing goals. Successful deposition of the coating was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), elemental (C/O) analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which also revealed substrate-dependent thermal behaviour. Wettability, water absorption, and permeability tests showed that the coated fabrics retained their hydrophilic character. PHB.E.0 coatings led to a significant reduction in air permeability, particularly after hot pressing at 180 °C, from ≈670 to ≈171 l/m²/s for PES and from ≈50 to ≈30 l/m²/s for CO, without compromising water vapor permeability. All coated samples maintained high breathability, essential for wearer comfort. These results demonstrate that PHB.E.0 coatings enhance wind resistance while preserving moisture vapor transport, offering a sustainable and effective solution for functional sportswear.