Eco sisal

The natural fibre alternative

Looking at eco sisal properties, a great natural material.

Uses
♦ Woven floor covering, floor tiles, rugs
♦ Wall coverings, wainscoting and fabric panels
♦ Handbags, shopping bags – great alternative to plastic

Advantages
♦ Hoover easily removes dirt
♦ Anti static
♦ Does not attract or trap dust particles
♦ Does not absorb moisture or water easily
♦ Can be prone to spilled water marking
♦ The fine texture takes dyes easily
♦ Offers the largest range of dyed colours of all natural fibres
♦ Good sound and impact absorbing properties
♦ Fibre is exceptionally durable
♦ Low maintenance with minimal wear and tear
♦ Leaves can be treated with natural borax for fire resistance properties
♦ Can reduce the level of sound transmitted between walls

Disadvantages
♦ Absorbs air humidity leading to a small amount of expanding and contracting (rugs and unsecured edges may curl)
♦ Fibre is too tough for textiles and fabrics
♦ Not suitable for a smooth wall finish
♦ Not recommended for wet areas
♦ Flooring: in areas of heavy use matting may occur
♦ Some plantations have destroyed natural forests to agricultural land

Embodied Energy
♦ Low level of energy used in manufacturing
♦ High overall level of embodied energy from transportation and distribution

Source/Origin
♦ Native to Mexico
♦ Brazil and China are the main source

Renewable
♦ Highly renewable resource
♦ Plant matures in approx 4 years
♦ Harvesting and manufacturing waste are returned to the earth

Environment & Health
♦ Zero pesticides or chemical fertilisers used in sisal agriculture
♦ Stain protection made from polymers contains VOCs
♦ Manufacture does not use formaldehyde or VOC causing components
♦ Adhesive used for fixing the product to the surface should not contain VOCs

Performance
♦ Hardest wearing natural floor covering
♦ Durability reduces the need for maintenance

Recyclable
♦ N/A

Disposal / Biodegradable
♦ Fully biodegradable

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