PENNSYLVANIA - Global standards organisation ASTM International and the Federation of International Hemp Organizations (FIHO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop new standards for industrial hemp.
Hemp is reported to provide considerable potential as a sustainable natural fibre for the textiles industry. However, while it offers benefits in terms of soil health, biodiversity, weed suppression and increasing yields for subsequent crops, a 2023 Textile Exchange report noted that it is currently largely grown with the use of biological pesticides and fertilisers and therefore care needs to be given as the industry expands.
