Salewa is introducing a new mix of materials for its new Alpine Hemp climbing collection for summer 2021. The 13-piece collection combines hemp fibers with certified organic cotton, recycled polyester or spandex. For stretch and abrasion resistance of the styles for indoor and outdoor climbers, the brand relies on a hybrid construction with Durastretch technology.
Hemp is a very robust and undemanding raw material, and it also combines sustainability and function. The plant grows quickly, needs little water and can do without herbicides and pesticides. As a textile fiber for sportswear, it impresses with its natural properties: it regulates temperature and moisture, is breathable and odor-inhibiting, and dries very quickly. It’s also very durable and resistant to dirt. Hemp was already used as a fiber around the world in the past. Still, it was soon displaced by cotton and later by synthetic fibers, and by hemp cultivation bans that did not distinguish between a useful crop and a source of intoxicants. Salewa also explains that hemp has a strong tradition in the Alps, and Italy used to be an important producer of high-quality industrial hemp.
Salewa, part of the South Tyrolean Oberalp Group, wants to boost a long-term, local circular economy using natural resources with the collection. Since 2016, the company has been working to bring the tradition of hemp cultivation back to Italy. 10 percent of sales from Alpine Hemp products will be invested in the plant’s local cultivation.
