The “Rain-Dew Hemp Process” actually refers to Dew Retting, one of the oldest and most natural degumming methods in traditional bast fiber processing.
🌿 What is Dew Retting?
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Purpose: To remove the gummy substances (pectin, hemicellulose) that bind hemp fibers to the woody core, so the fibers can be separated.
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Method: Harvested stalks are laid out in the field, exposed to rain, morning dew, and sunlight, while naturally occurring fungi and bacteria in the soil and air slowly break down the gums.
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Result: After several weeks, the fibers loosen naturally, taking on a distinctive gray-brown hue.
🌍 Key Features
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Highly eco-friendly: No chemicals, no wastewater — the process relies entirely on nature.
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Unique color: Creates a natural “premium gray,” with each batch having its own variation.
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Strong fibers: Retains better fiber integrity compared to rapid chemical retting.
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Climate-dependent: Requires the right balance of dew, rainfall, and warmth — otherwise fibers may rot or fail to separate.
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Time- and cost-intensive: Typically takes 2–8 weeks, requires large areas of land, and carries production risks, making it mainly used for high-end textiles.
