An iconic material with a future
In our ongoing search for future-proof materials, there’s one crop we simply can’t ignore: hemp. It is proving to be a strong, sustainable alternative to cotton and the like. So, it not only grows like weeds or is native to many climatic zones – thanks to its robust, dirt-repellent, and yet soft fibers, it is also wonderfully suitable for further processing for shoe uppers. Reason enough to revive this iconic material alongside like-minded partners across Europe. We’re testing fiber processing, learning from on-the-ground projects, and step-by-step closing the gaps in the value chain.
Climate-friendly all-rounder
Little water, high yield
Little water, high yield
Industrial hemp is low in requirements. Compared to cotton, it requires far less water in cultivation and at the same time provides a much higher yield.
Less pesticides
Less pesticides
The crop is considered particularly resistant to pests compared to conventional cotton and can therefore be cultivated largely pesticide-free.
Natural CO2 Storage
Natural CO2 Storage
The hemp plant binds large amounts of CO2 in its biomass during its rapid growth. Simultaneously, its deep root system loosens the soil and enriches it with organic substance.
Nourishing the Soil
Nourishing the Soil
Hemp’s deep root system loosens the soil and prevents erosion. This boosts soil life and leaves behind valuable nutrients for future crops.
Less weed growth
Less weed growth
Thanks to its rigorous growth, the plant helps to suppress the growth of weeds, thereby reducing the use of herbicides.
Multifunctional material
Multifunctional material
Hemp fibers are not only soft and comfortable to wear, but also dirt-repellent, tear-resistant and odorless. They also offer a high level of UV protection.
A plant with history
Its roots go back more than 12,000 years: At that time, the world's oldest cultivated plant was used in Persia and China as food and to make clothing. And it was also widespread in Europe until the first half of the 20th century.
This changed in the course of increasing globalization. Because the processing of hemp plants is comparatively complex and therefore often more expensive than, for example, the easier-to-process cotton, which gradually displaced the hemp from our textiles. The consequences: Factories were closed, machines were sold and the knowledge about processing was lost bit by bit, while China developed into the world market leader for textile hemp production.
However, the rediscovery of the classic material, which has been advancing in recent years, is slowly but surely giving the cultivated plant a comeback in Europe – and unlocks new possibilities for future-ready material concepts across the textile industry.
VirgoCoop x Wildling – for the love of hemp
Real change happens through collaboration. We connect with partners who share our passion for regional value chains and resource-conscious fiber alternatives. Together, we learn, exchange ideas, and tackle the challenges of complex supply chains.
Out of love for a long-forgotten material, VirgoCoop and Wildling Shoes have done pioneering work together: As part of our cooperation, we supported our French partner network in testing value chains for European fiber hemp. This shared path was a valuable milestone in rebuilding essential knowledge about cultivating and processing this traditional crop in Europe.
Wildling x Nordwolle – For Biodiversity
Hemp isn't the only area where we prioritize transparency, equal partnership, and future-proof business practices—we apply the same values to a classic material: wool. A great example is our long-standing partnership with Nordwolle Rügen: Together, we use wool from fully transparent supply chains for our winter Wildlings, supporting sheep farming that preserves the endangered Pomeranian sheep, maintains traditional landscapes, and strengthens local sheep farms.
