Jute is a natural fibre, and one of the strongest around.
Traditionally farmed, it is grown in similar conditions to organic
farming. There is crop rotation, no pesticides and nothing is GM.
It is mainly grown in the Bengal area (India and Bangladesh), and grows fully in 4-6 months.
When the plant is in flower, the jute is harvested, usually between
July and October, and goes through a process of retting where the
fibres are extracted from within the stalk.
Jute is fully sustainable; it is estimated that there is enough jute in
the world to provide everybody in the world with 2 bags per year!
Jute is the second most important vegetable fibre after cotton; not only for cultivation, but also for various uses.
Jute is very versatile, as all of the plant is used:
The fibres are used to make - Bags, Fabrics, Twine/Rope, Paper, Shoes, Carpet backing
The outer is used for firewood, and the leaves are used for food
For more information:
JMDC - the Jute Manufacturers Development Council
Know Jute
Jute on Wikipedia
International Jute Study Group
