Russia To Reintroduce Hemp For Technical Textiles

The share of natural fabrics and materials in the Russian textiles industry is steadily declining in favor of their synthetics, according to recent statements by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. However, plans are afoot to expand the raw materials base for technical textiles, including the reintroduction of hemp fibre for technical applications.

In the past five years, the annual growth of natural fibre and yarn consumption in Russia was equivalent to 5-6% per year, compared to 13-15% in the case of synthetics, and the difference continues to grow in favour of synthetics. The same trend is observed worldwide, where, according to analysts’ predictions, the share of synthetic and man-made fibres in global consumption will increase from 45% to 65-70% by 2025.

Last year, in Russia, the local synthetic and man-made fibres market exceeded 650,000 tonnes in volume and US$ 950 million)in value.

Currently, most of the Russian demand for synthetic fibres was met through imports, mostly from China. However, the situation may change in the coming years, with the Russian government announcing plans to increase domestic production.