Around 1200, medieval monasteries utilized scraps from hemp and flax production for personal hygiene purposes. This practice reflects the resourcefulness of monastic communities in maximizing their agricultural outputs. The use of these materials for hygiene not only highlights the daily lives of monks but also underscores the importance of sustainability in medieval economies.

The use of hemp and flax scraps in medieval monasteries around 1200 preserved the culture of monastic scriptoria, indirectly supporting the creation of illuminated manuscript poetry. This practice contributed to the rich tradition of medieval literature, linking spirituality with artistic expression.