UAE | Environment
Thread of history in the fibre of change
Centuries of history, culture and industry have transformed the golden fibre of eastern India into the green answer that everybody can buy into.
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:13 October 3, 2008
Dubai: Centuries of history, culture and industry have transformed the golden fibre of eastern India into the green answer that everybody can buy into.
Jute or Hessian bags are all the rage among the eco-conscious.
Jute has travelled from being the fabric of the poor during the 16th century reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar to top player in terms of green alternatives to plastic.
India and Bangladesh are the main producers of jute.
The plant belongs to the genus Corchorus and is one of the cheapest and strongest natural fibres, second only to cotton. Its shine determines its quality.
The fibres are extracted from the stem and outer skin of the plant and then woven into fabric.
Different weaves
The heavier, tougher weave is used tor make sacking, scrim, carpet backing and canvas.
Hessian or the lighter weave is used for bags, wrappers, wall-coverings and upholstery and home furnishings. It is also used to create espadrilles, floor coverings and textiles mats.
Jute can be grown in four to six months with a huge amount of cellulose being produced from the stem that could help meet most of the wood needs of the world.
And just when we thought it could not get any better ... the plant also boasts important nutritional properties.
Edible leaves
Jute leaves are eaten in West Africa as well as in Egypt, where it is called Molokhiyya. It is also popular in the Philippines where it is called Saluyot. The leaves are rich in beta-carotene, iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
The best source of jute in the world is the delta area of the River Ganges, known for its fertile land. Jute mills have been known to exist there for over 200 years.
From the British Raj to Hollywood, the humble jute bag is history in a tote.
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