My search for innovative applications of textile hemp brings me today to Hupi, which makes textile hemp blankets and accessories for children in the 0-3 age group with a focus on eco-sustainability. The project immediately caught my attention because children's skin is very delicate and for this very reason we need to take good care of it from the very first, but not only in terms of the creams and lotions we rub on them, as much as, and above all, the clothes we put on them.

In fact, many parents buy organic cotton for their babies, because they know that cotton is a natural fibre. Unfortunately, however, cotton, even organic cotton, often does not live up to the sustainable fabric label given to it; indeed, both in the cultivation stage and in the spinning and weaving stage, cotton requires a great deal of pesticides and chemical solvents, and some of them, even if in not immediately harmful quantities, remain in the fabric itself (I have written about this in depth here). A further unsustainable aspect of cotton is the use of water; in fact, the production of cotton fabric requires at least five times as much water as hemp fabric.

But hemp, as is well known, is not immediately associated with its benefits on the textile side, but as a plant for recreational use. One of Hupi's goals (which I fully agree with and support, by the way) is therefore to dispel the myth that hemp is only for getting high. Hupi would first and foremost like to create greater awareness among parents about the benefits of hemp fabric and this struck me immediately because it also echoes the aim of Hemp-Style Magazine itself, which shares stories about hemp textiles to make all those who have at least once wondered 'what impact are the clothes I'm wearing having' or 'what fabric are the clothes I'm wearing made of' understand that hemp fabric is not for getting high but rather has many benefits for our skin and our well-being in general.

I was particularly impressed by Erika's energy and her tireless desire to make textile hemp accessible to all children.

HSM: I couldn't help but peek at your website and social media, where I read that the Hupi project was born out of a personal need?

H: Yes, correct. When my son was born I was also born as a mother and as a woman I was transformed. I became more protective, curious but above all courageous. In the search for the right creams that respected the delicacy of Jacopo's skin, I realised that the main problem was not the umpteenth cream but the fabrics with which his skin was in contact. So I started a thorough research of natural fabrics: eucalyptus, banana, bamboo, hemp. I was particularly impressed by hemp fabric, first and foremost for its countless direct benefits, but also the minimal environmental impact of its processing. I thus discovered that Italy was once the leader in this market, but also that with the long prohibitionism that started in the 1940s, all the benefits and knowledge of processing this fibre went into oblivion.

So I bought my first hemp fabric and created some accessories for my son, which were particularly good for his skin. The desire to share my experience and discovery led me to create Hupi.

HSM: The benefits of textile hemp are particularly important for the skin of young children.

H: Hemp is simply an extraordinary fabric. It is one of the most ecological fabrics in the world because its environmental impact is so minimal. Hemp is a plant that adapts to the soil, does not require irrigation and has no need for herbicides or fertilisers; after cultivation, the soil on which the hemp is grown is not impoverished, on the contrary, it is rich in organic matter and moist enough to accommodate other crops.

The water requirement is also minimal compared to other natural fibres, especially cotton - and here I am also correct for organic cotton; it completes its life cycle in 120 days and is also biodegradable. Finally, hemp fabric is very strong and durable and although one would expect a very rough fabric, innovation has made great strides in obtaining a fabric that is much softer than one would think! Moreover, with the passage of time and washing (at low temperatures) it becomes even softer. On our skin, hemp fabric has many beneficial properties:

- No chemicals

- Protects against UV radiation

- Maximum hygiene because super-breathable and antibacterial

- Protects against allergies and irritations

- Thermoregulates so it is cool in summer and warm in winter

- Creates a micro-massage that stimulates blood circulation

With all these benefits in mind, I thought of developing an all-weather hemp cover.

HSM: What was the creative process behind the Hupi blanket?

H: The creative process was not exactly linear. I come from a completely different sector (Marketing) and therefore had to acquire a lot of knowledge related to textiles. But I was also very lucky, because on my path I found people who believed in my project and also understood the benefits of textile hemp.

In fact, a historical knitting mill in the Veneto region, with a special weaving and confidential processing, helped me transform my idea of the ideal blanket into textiles. The hemp yarn is natural (i.e. not dyed), a perfect blanket for all seasons because it is thermoregulating, breathable and antibacterial, it protects from UV rays and offers a micro-massage that stimulates circulation, but above all it is designed to last over time even when the baby grows because the 100x80 cm size allows multiple uses.

Each blanket is also accompanied by a special bow, which is intended to personalise the baby blanket. The designs and patterns of the bows were printed with non-toxic watercolours and were developed in collaboration with a Doula with the aim of relaxing the baby and accompanying him in his sleep but also to give the blanket a "playful" look by means of the themed figures that accompanied my honeymoon in Africa, namely the travelling elephant, the brave zebra and the curious giraffe and of course the polka dots (I'm a huge fan 😊)

These bows can of course be unravelled once the child grows up, so the blanket becomes very neutral and can also be used by adults (I say this because we have a specific case in our family, who when he gets the blanket in his hands, or rather between his neck, he doesn't want to leave it anymore!).

HSM: The story of the flakes does not end here, however

H: In fact, considering that I always had a lot of leftover fabric, and the Hupi brand itself being very eco-friendly, I thought of creating useful accessories for every parent, because I was always the first to lose Jacopo's things. So, again from my personal experience, the Hupi accessories were born, namely doudou (raise your hand if you have never lost a puppy?!), the bib to catch the streams of saliva, the gum massager to support the little ones in the complex teething process, and the muslin, the object most used by mothers after the dummy for which I discover a new use every day.

In addition, to produce these accessories, I chose a social tailor's shop that engages unemployed women and helps them to reintegrate into the world of work, pensioners from different ethnic groups and cultures who are committed to sharing, people with a heart who use their time to pass on the value of craftsmanship: I believe that doing good makes us better and this love and commitment is also reflected in Hupi's products.

HSM: The story behind each Hupi product is truly unique and above all true, because it comes from your own direct experience. Where can one buy your products?

H: Certainly the first starting point is the Hupi e-commerce, then also those of the EcoFashion and WhatAEco partners. In recent months I have also started several collaborations in physical shops because I realise the need to touch something you don't know. In Montebelluna and Treviso there are two shops selling Hupi products and soon in Bassano del Grappa too! But I am also participating in trade fairs and industry events. In fact, on 4 December I will be in Milan for a festival entirely dedicated to families and children, because I think it is important to let them touch the softness of the blankets and fabrics.

HSM: Thank you so much Erika for your time and for sharing Hupi's story with me!

You really are a river of energy, it seems to me that you have 10 hands and above all you confirm that we mums really are multitasking! So come on mums 💪🏻(and dads of course, but on multitasking you have to give it to us!).

Photo:

Copyright: Hupi

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