Exploring the dew retting feasibility of hemp in very contrasting European environments: Influence on the tensile mechanical properties of fibres and composites

•Dew retting of hemp stems was successful in different European climates and soil.•The duration of dew retting has to be adapted to each climate and soil conditions.•Dew retting does not degrade the crystalline cellulose I content.•Dew retting does not degrade the tensile properties of elementary hemp fibres.•High performance mechanical properties of both fibres and composites were obtained.