Our supplier ( RavenOx ) is proud to be the first hemp rope manufacturer in the United States in over 85 years. After the prohibition of hemp by the U.S. government in 1936, American-made hemp ropes disappeared and were replaced by cotton ropes and synthetic ropes like polypropylene rope, nylon rope and polyester rope.
Hemp’s fiber composition makes it an ideal alternative to cotton and synthetic rope in many ways. Hemp’s most notable functional advantage over cotton is its superior tenacity. Natural hemp fiber rope and cord is also more absorbent and breathable than cotton rope and especially more so than petroleum-derived synthetic ropes.
Hemp’s low extensibility (percent of elongation) makes twisting hemp yarns a challenge for even the most experienced rope engineers. However, this quality makes hemp desirable for use in applications where “stretch” is a hindrance to product performance, such as boat sails and upholstery.
TWISTED HEMP ROPE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Hemp is considered a carbon-negative crop, in that it sequesters more CO2 than it generates per harvest cycle. Additionally, hemp generates more fiber per acre in less time and with less water, compared to cotton. Hemp is markedly less fastidious than cotton and can grow in a wider range of climates and soil types. The hemp plant’s fast growth and dense canopy serves as its own weed suppressor, eliminating the need for herbicides.
USDA BIOBASED CERTIFIED HEMP ROPES
The increased development, purchase, and use of biobased products reduces our nation's reliance on petroleum, increases the use of renewable agricultural resources, and contributes to reducing adverse environmental and health impacts. Ravenox hemp ropes are tested and USDA certified as a biobased product.
RESPONSIBLY SOURCED HEMP FOR TWISTED ROPES
Our supplier uses hemp yarns that are sourced with 100% hemp fibers from France and blended with 100% cotton that is grown in the United States. This unique 50/50 Hemp/Cotton construction creates a soft and strong, more sustainable rope.
Cotton blends very well with hemp. The hemp adds stability and strength to cotton, making the rope stronger and slightly lowering its shrinkage. It also enhances dye retention. Note that both cotton and hemp will shrink when first washed. As America moves closer to producing hemp yarns made with American-grown hemp, Our supplier will create ropes with these domestic hemp fibers.
*Another unique benefit of hemp is its natural abundance of cannabinoids (non-psychoactive) and terpenes, the antimicrobial activity of which is well documented.
