Denim Company Launching Collection Made with U.S.-Grown Hemp

Cone Denim is partnering with hemp processing firm BastCore on a U.S.-grown hemp denim collection using hemp cultivated in Alabama and U.S.-derived cotton dyed with natural indigo grown in Tennessee. Using hemp in the production of denim instead of cotton saves 50% of the water used in production and requires no chemicals, wet processing, pesticides, or herbicides, the report says.

In a statement, Cone Denim President Steve Maggard said the partnership with BastCore “opens great opportunities to create sustainable denim made from U.S. sourced agriculture products located in close proximity to Cone’s manufacturing operations in Mexico.”

“U.S. farmers have world-class sustainable growing practices and produce quality products used in Cone’s denims including cotton, corn for sizing starch, natural plant-based indigo, and more recently, hemp. We are proud to support the American agriculture industry and work alongside like-minded partners who share our passion and commitment.” – Maggard in a press release

Cone’s U.S. hemp collection includes a range of fabrics featuring classic 3×1 and comfort stretch to modern workwear constructions, the company said.

BastCore Managing Director Austin Bryant said the partnership with Cone is “a perfect fit” and meets the company’s “mission to bridge the gap between farmers growing hemp and industries demanding cost-competitive, sustainably produced raw materials.”

“The expertise and passion of Cone’s product teams provided great collaboration in navigating through those challenges to bring the many advantages of hemp fibers to denim,” Bryant said in a statement.

The collection will be launched at the Kingpins Amsterdam Show which runs from April 20-21.