Hemp vs cotton: which is more sustainable?

From a pure sustainability standpoint, hemp has a clear advantage over cotton in nearly every environmental metric. Hemp requires roughly half the water that cotton needs per kilogram of fiber produced, and unlike cotton, hemp typically thrives on rainfall alone without irrigation. Hemp needs no pesticides or herbicides, while conventional cotton accounts for a disproportionate share of global agricultural chemical use. Hemp also matures in about 90 days and produces significantly more fiber per hectare than cotton.

However, the comparison becomes more nuanced when you factor in organic cotton. Organic cotton eliminates the pesticide and chemical concerns and uses substantially less water than conventional cotton due to healthier soil. Organic cotton also has a much more developed supply chain, wider availability, and more established certifications (like GOTS). Hemp cultivation, while growing in popularity, still faces regulatory hurdles in some regions and has a smaller manufacturing infrastructure.

From a fabric performance perspective, hemp is stronger and more durable, while cotton is generally softer from the start. Hemp softens considerably over time and with washing. Both are biodegradable. For activewear, hemp blends beautifully with other fibers — Boldwill on ONDU pairs hemp with Tencel for a combination that is both planet-friendly and performance-ready. If choosing between the two for sustainability, hemp edges ahead, but organic cotton remains a strong and accessible option.