Manila Hemp

What is Manila hemp? Manila hemp, also known as Abaca, banana hemp, or Musa hemp, is a fibre plant that, contrary to its name, belongs not to the cannabis genus but to the banana family. The plant originates from East Asia, which is also the source of its name. This refers to the traditionally most important trading port of the Philippine capital, Manila.

Today, Abaca is mainly cultivated in South and Southeast Asia and Central and South America. Harvesting occurs at the beginning of the flowering period, with the leaves being cut at the base and sorted by quality and size. After further processing steps, the dried fibre is ready for transport.

Thanks to its tear-resistant and skin-friendly properties, Manila hemp is used, among other things, in the production of headwear.