Made from a majority of hemp, a new performance apparel line from Astral is aiming to plot a course away from the use of petroleum-based fabrics.
Since 2002, Astral has prioritised protecting soil and water resources through its production processes. Targeting performance and sustainability, Astral’s Performance Hemp line offers… ‘a plant-based, lower-impact alternative to petroleum-based activewear, while still offering high-performing technical qualities.’
Hemp is not a new material for Astral. The brand has favoured nature-based and sustainable materials in its footwear for nearly a decade. It was initially drawn to hemp due to the fibre’s inherent performance properties and sustainability traits, even compared to other regenerative or plant-based materials.
Hemp is grown with very little or no pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and only needs soil, water, and sun to grow. Requiring up to 79% less water to grow, hemp yields over double the amount of fibre than cotton while also breaking down toxic material in soil, and absorbing more carbon dioxide per acre than any commercial crop or forest.
Astral is commited to growing its investment in hemp as a material, and incorporating it more broadly into its existing collections of footwear and apparel.
“Technical fabrics have leaned more and more heavily on petroleum-based materials to achieve design and functionality goals,” said Philip Curry, Founder and CEO of Astral. “We simply do not think these practices are healthy for the planet or the person wearing it.
“Hemp as a material and a crop is so often overlooked; it’s so rare to find a material that is actively good for the ecosystem while offering the unparalleled technical benefits that hemp does. It’s the perfect solution for us to uphold and expand our objectives of sustainability while exceeding the high standards we set for technical performance.”
Astral’s new apparel collection is naturally cooling, breathable, offers UPF sun protection, and is durable. Addressing one of the most common downsides of petroleum-based materials that often feature anti-microbial treatments, Astral’s Performance Hemp line is naturally odour-resistant.
Rather than breaking down with washing over time, Astral adds that the performance hemp clothing gets softer as it breaks-in without sacrificing longevity.
Astral’s Performance Hemp apparel is designed for active and outdoor use, featuring hooded sweatshirts and shorts with three colour offerings for both men and women.
“Where many incorporate hemp as a minor ingredient in apparel, we wanted to go full bore in producing a true, majority-hemp product that would truly take advantage of the technical qualities and durability of the material,” said Daniel Windham, Astral’s Product Line Manager.
“Our goal was to make a technical product with regenerative materials that offers cooling properties, remains odour-resistant, and stands the test of time without breaking down as many treated polyesters are known to do.”
