In a conversation with Sabine Wolf, Head of Production at Maloja, it becomes clear how versatile hemp is as a material – especially for outdoor collections such as biking, hiking, climbing, and other mountain sports.

You have been working with hemp for quite some time – why is hemp so important for Maloja?

Sabine Wolf: Hemp has been one of our special materials for years. The natural fiber is robust, versatile, and comfortable to wear. It grows quickly and requires significantly less water than cotton. Its fibers are durable, long-lasting, cooling in hot weather, absorb moisture well, dry quickly, and are naturally antibacterial. These characteristics make hemp especially exciting for functional clothing.
Historically, hemp has a long tradition: for centuries it was used for clothing, ropes, and even paper. It was only with the industrialization of cotton spinning that it was somewhat forgotten. For us, hemp is a favorite material that combines tradition, naturalness, and function.

Do you rely on specific suppliers?

Sabine Wolf: Due to the decades-long ban on hemp cultivation in Europe, much knowledge about growing and processing has been lost – unlike in China, where hemp has traditionally been cultivated. That’s why we source our hemp textiles from there. For several years now, we’ve been working with Hemp Fortex, a specialist in ecological materials with particular expertise in hemp processing.

Why is hemp so important when looking to the future?

Sabine Wolf: For us, hemp is a material with great potential. Fabrics made from hemp fibers offer unique properties: they are antistatic, thermo-regulating, naturally antibacterial, and can also provide good UV protection. Visually, hemp also fits perfectly with Maloja: its linen-like look develops even more character over time and reinforces the authentic feeling we associate with our brand. Beyond that, the plant itself is fascinating: hemp grows quickly, requires little water, and with its deep roots helps loosen the soil and return nutrients. Moreover, hemp cultivation generally does not require pesticides or herbicides.