Hemp and sport: sustainability meets performance
Like many industries at present, the sports industry has been undergoing change for several years. Increasingly, it is not just about performance and lifestyle, but also about sustainability, fair production chains and responsible consumption. In the midst of this change, one plant has become increasingly prominent: hemp.
Whether as a textile fibre, a biological material for sports equipment or as a food and dietary supplement, hemp has properties that can be useful in many ways in the sports industry.
Hemp is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Centuries ago, its fibres were used for ropes, sails and clothing. However, with the rise of synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon, this traditional crop disappeared from many industries.
Today, the plant is making a comeback – not as a niche product, but as a serious alternative to established raw materials. And for good reason: hemp grows quickly, requires little water and hardly any pesticides, improves soil quality and binds significant amounts of CO₂. This makes it one of the most sustainable raw materials available to us.
In the sports industry, this refers exclusively to so-called industrial hemp, meaning varieties with a THC content of no more than 0.2 to 0.3 per cent. These are not intoxicating, but can be used in a variety of ways. From fibres and seeds to oils, the plant provides materials that can be integrated into a wide range of products.
Textiles with a future
The use of hemp is particularly evident in sports and outdoor clothing. Companies such as Patagonia, Maloja and Salewa have been experimenting with hemp fabrics for some time. The reasons are obvious: hemp fibres are robust, tear-resistant and durable.
They are breathable and absorb moisture well. Unlike cotton, hemp requires little irrigation and its fibres are naturally antibacterial. This means less odour during strenuous activities – an advantage for anyone who is on the go a lot. At the same time, depending on how they are processed, hemp fabrics can have both a cooling and warming effect, similar to wool.
In the past, hemp textiles were often considered rough and uncomfortable. Today, developments paint a different picture. Modern processing techniques produce soft fabrics that are almost indistinguishable from cotton.
Patagonia, for example, has developed Iron Forge Hemp™ Canvas, a material that is not only a quarter more abrasion-resistant than conventional cotton fabrics, but also remains breathable and comfortable to wear. Lighter versions for warmer climates are now also available. Hemp is therefore a real alternative for climbing trousers, functional shirts and workwear.
Sports equipment made from natural fibres
Beyond clothing, hemp also shows potential in the field of sports equipment. Hemp-based fibres and composites could partially replace carbon in snowboards, skis or skateboards. The first companies have developed trekking poles, skateboards and snowboards made from hemp composites.
Studies show that hemp, as a biological composite material, can be lighter and at the same time more stable than carbon – and significantly cheaper. A trekking pole made of hemp even won the prestigious ISPO Award in 2023. Such developments show that hemp is more than just an experiment: it has the potential to become the standard material in outdoor and action sports.
Large industrial companies are now also turning to hemp. Volkswagen has been working with a start-up since 2024 to develop hemp materials for vehicle interiors. Such cross-industry collaborations are also giving the sports industry a boost to develop new applications.
Nutrition, regeneration and supplements
But hemp is not just a raw material – it is also a valuable source of food and nutrients. Hemp seeds contain all essential amino acids, high-quality proteins and a favourable ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. This makes them interesting for athletes who want to switch to a plant-based diet. Hemp protein powder has become an alternative to dairy protein and is well tolerated as well as having anti-inflammatory properties.
Hemp oil is also popular in sports. It supports muscle regeneration and joint health and is increasingly being integrated into athletes' nutrition plans. The use of CBD products derived from hemp is the subject of particularly intense debate. Many athletes report that CBD can help with relaxation, sleep, regeneration and pain relief.
However, caution is advised: Some CBD products may contain traces of THC. For most consumers, this is not a problem, but strict rules apply in competitive sports. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) only allows a minimal concentration of THC in urine. Anyone using CBD must therefore ensure that the products are tested and come from trustworthy manufacturers.
Market opportunities and challenges
Interest in hemp products is growing worldwide. According to forecasts, the market for hemp textiles could grow by more than 30 per cent annually by 2030. More and more governments are loosening cultivation rules to give farmers and businesses access.
Nevertheless, there are hurdles: in many places in Europe, there is a lack of production facilities for processing hemp fibres. For decades, the expertise was mainly in Asia, and now supply chains need to be rebuilt.
Education is also an issue: many consumers initially associate the plant with cannabis rather than sustainability or performance and are unsure about what the plant can actually do. For the sports industry, this means that education, transparent communication and products that impress in terms of quality and comfort are needed.
This presents an opportunity for sports brands to do pioneering work. Those who invest in hemp today can not only bring sustainable collections to market, but also tell new stories – about regional value creation, the circular economy and innovative materials.
A real game changer for sport
Hemp is not a panacea, but it is a versatile resource that can make the world of sport more sustainable – from breathable, functional clothing to environmentally friendly composites in durable sports equipment and nutrient-rich foods – the plant combines ecological benefits with practical properties. At the same time, hemp offers opportunities for new business models and regional value creation.
It is still in the early stages of development. The crucial question will be whether it is possible to expand production and processing in Europe and further strengthen acceptance. However, one thing is already clear today: hemp can do more than you think – and could become a real game changer for sport.