Ecological materials

Our products are made from carefully selected materials that respect the environment, people and resources.

Here you can find out which materials we use, why we chose them and what makes them special – transparent, honest and comprehensible.

Wild hemp

Natural fiber from the mountainous regions of Nepal and northern India. Resource-efficient, durable, breathable. Becomes softer over time.

Recycle Sari (Upcycling)

New fabrics made from traditional clothing. Each product is unique. Handmade & Women Empowerment.

organic cotton

Wherever possible, we use certified organic cotton. Skin-friendly, fairly produced.

Swiss pine wood

Natural material from the Alps with a characteristic scent. Untreated & durable.

COMPARISON TABLE

Material	Origin	Special feature	Environmental benefit	Products
Wild hemp	Nepal / North India	Grows wild, hand-processed	No pesticides, little water	Bags, backpacks
Recycled sari	Nepal	Upcycling, unique pieces	Waste reduction	Bags, yoga
Organic cotton	Europe / global	Certified	No chemicals	Clothing
Recycled paper	EU	Grass paper, FSC	Resource conservation	Books, cards
Lokta paper	Nepal	Hand-scooped	No wood, durable	Tags
Swiss stone pine	Alps	Natural scent	Regional	Jewellery

Wild Hemp – A Natural Fibre with History and Future

Wild hemp from Nepal and northern India

In the remote mountain regions of Nepal and northern India, hemp has grown wild for centuries without artificial irrigation, pesticides, or monocultures. This form of cultivation is deeply rooted in local traditions and protects soils, water resources, and biodiversity.

Wild hemp is not an industrial agricultural product, but part of a functioning ecosystem. That's precisely why, in many cases, it is more sustainable for us than conventional organic farming.

Hand-finished

After harvesting, the hemp plants are gently dried and soaked in water to loosen the fibers.

They are then spun into yarn by hand and processed into fabric lengths on mechanical looms.

This labor-intensive process preserves the natural properties of the fiber:

Hemp is robust, breathable, skin-friendly and durable – ideal for products that are intended to be used for years.
Hemp requires little water to grow, no chemical aids, and regenerates soils.

It is naturally resistant to pests and is particularly suitable for durable everyday products.

Care instructions for organic hemp

Washable at up to 30°C on a gentle cycle.

After washing, the fiber initially appears firmer, but becomes softer again through use – a typical characteristic of these natural fibers.

Products made from organic hemp

Frequently asked questions about hemp

Is wild hemp better than organic hemp?

In many cases, yes, because it grows without irrigation, fertilizer, or land conversion.

Why does hemp feel hard at first?

Because it is not chemically softened. The fiber becomes noticeably softer with use.

Is hemp suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, especially untreated hemp is breathable and skin-friendly.

Is hemp long-lasting?

Yes. Hemp fibers are among the most tear-resistant natural fibers.

The “100% hemp” myth

Many products are advertised as "hemp" even though the actual fiber content is low or the fibers have undergone extensive chemical processing. This creates a sustainable image that does not reflect reality.

How can you recognize genuine hemp products?

Clear material specifications, transparent origin, and traceable processing are paramount. At Himal Hemp, we openly communicate what percentage is actually hemp and how it is processed.

Discover products

Recycled Sari – Upcycling with Social Impact

Old saris are collected, rewoven and processed into durable fabrics. Each piece is unique.

Women Empowerment

Our partner company in Nepal empowers women from marginalized communities:

own income
Training in the textile trade
economic independence

Here you can learn more about the material and social impact of Recycle Sari - Upcycling

Buy now

Frequently asked questions about Recycle-Sari

Why do products look different?

Old saris are refurbished and rewoven. This creates a durable material with character that conserves resources and makes each piece unique.

Are the colors colorfast?

Yes, gentle washing is recommended.

How exactly does the project support Women Empowerment?

The women receive their own income, a sound education in the textile trade, and thus the basis for long-term economic independence.

Why is Recycle Sari more than just a fabric?

The material combines sustainability, craftsmanship and individuality – by reprocessing traditional saris, a durable textile with history is created.

Organic Cotton – sensible where printing is necessary.

Where hemp is not functionally suitable, we use organic cotton instead of conventional cotton – especially for printed textiles.

Organic cotton is grown largely without chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. This protects the environment, the soil, and the health of people involved in production. Additionally, water-saving irrigation methods are frequently used.

We use certified textiles for our printed products.

Tip: When shopping, always look for GOTS certification: This is the world's highest standard for ecological and social criteria in textile production.

Since Himal Hemp is a small company driven by idealism, we don't pursue organic certification ourselves. However, we meticulously ensure that all our products meet the highest available organic standards, and we can document this through our purchasing records. For example, we use fabrics from biostoffe.at for our hot water bottle covers and from neutral and Stanley/Stella for our print-on-demand shirts.

Hot water bottles

Care instructions for organic cotton

Washable up to 40 °C, 30 °C recommended.

To protect the prints, do not tumble dry and wash inside out.

Products made from organic cotton

Frequently asked questions about organic cotton

Is organic cotton always sustainable?

It is significantly better than conventional cotton, but still consumes resources. That's why we use it selectively.

Why not make everything from hemp?

Not every application is suitable for hemp – for example, fine prints or certain cuts. Furthermore, we don't use it for clothing because, without energy- or chemical-intensive treatment, it's scratchier than other fabrics like cotton.

Are organic cotton products durable?

Yes, with proper care they are robust and suitable for everyday use.

How does organic cotton differ from conventional cotton?

Organic cotton is grown without genetically modified seeds, synthetic pesticides, or fertilizers. This protects the soil, water, and the health of farmers.

Swiss Stone Pine – Natural Scent from the Alps

Swiss stone pine is an alpine tree with characteristically fragrant wood. Its scent is said to have calming properties. Although this has not been scientifically proven, the fragrance is perceived as pleasant by many people.

For our jewelry series, we use small branch slices from Tyrolean Swiss pine.

NEWS: Unfortunately, our previous manufacturing partner , naturecraft, is no longer in production. We would be very grateful for any suggestions for new options at office@himalhemp.com !

Care instructions for Swiss pine wood

When the scent fades, a light sanding with fine sandpaper is sufficient – the wood will begin to smell again.

Swiss pine wood products

Frequently asked questions about Swiss pine wood

How long does the fragrance last?

Depending on usage, the lifespan can range from several months to years; it can be refreshed by sanding.

Is the Swiss pine wood treated?

No, we use natural wood without varnishes or chemicals.

Does the scent change over time?

Yes, the scent will become milder over time, but can be reactivated by light sanding or gentle rubbing.

Can Swiss pine wood trigger allergies?

Generally, Swiss pine wood is harmless. Only very rarely do sensitive individuals react to the scent.

Item added to your cart