Jute furnishings & fabrics

Find our the eco facts here about jute furnishings & fabrics. This fabric is one of the most versatile natural fibre, and known as the second most important to cotton.

Description
♦ Jute fibre is made from the tropical herb Corchorus (in the same family as hemp).
♦ Jute is part vegetable fibre and part wood fibre.
♦ It is grown in the same area as water fields for rice farming.
♦ The plant is harvested, the stems are tied and soaked for a few weeks. The stems are then beaten to make the fibres softer.
♦ Threads are coarse, long and strong.
♦ Available in a range of weaves.
♦ Texture has a coarse and heavy texture.
♦ Natural appearance is golden and shiny.
♦ Colour of fibres range from brown to off white.
♦ Fibres are between 1 to 4 metres in length.
♦ Also known as hessian or burlap.

Uses
♦ Household - sacks, rope, twine, wrapping textiles, canvas, low quality cloth.
♦ Flooring – carpets (tuft, weave or pile), rugs, backing, underlay.
♦ Jute furnishings & fabric - curtains, upholstery, general textiles, bedding (cotton replacement or blend), wall coverings, substitute silk.
♦ Paper
♦ Packaging
♦ Geotextiles – agricultural industry textile for drainage, root protection, filtration, weed prevention and soil erosion (woven & non woven).

Cost
♦ Used as a geotextile – cheaper than synthetic alternatives.

Advantages
♦ A good substitute for cotton.
♦ Ability to absorb high levels of moisture.
♦ Excellent UV protection.
♦ Anti static.
♦ Carbon dioxide neutral.
♦ Compared to other natural fibres, jute is softer with a silky texture.
♦ Excellent heat & fire resistance (low thermal conduction).
♦ Good insulation properties.
♦ Flexible fibre.
♦ Good sound insulation.
♦ Can be blended with other natural and man-made fibres easily.
♦ Takes natural and man-made dyes easily.

Disadvantages
♦ Tendency to stain.
♦ Tendency to crease.
♦ Jute furnishings & fabrics do not drape well.
♦ A brittle and stiff fibre in its natural state.
♦ Some fabrics fade or yellow in direct sunlight.
♦ Humidity causes increase microbial damage.

Embodied Energy
♦ Transportation and shipping from overseas uses non renewable fuel resources.

Source/Origin
♦ Main source is India with Bangladesh as the main exporter.
♦ Other countries are West Bengal, Thailand, Pakistan, Burma, Nepal and China.

Renewable
♦ Natural fibre is in abundance.

Environment & Health
♦ As jute is a rain fed plant, the use of excessive chemicals, pesticides and herbicides during farming are not necessary.
♦ Source organic jute to ensure chemicals, pesticides and herbicides have not been used during farming and manufacture.
♦ Jute grows quickly in around 4 to 6 months, a fast growing alternative for its substitute wood uses.
♦ Natural dyes can be used e.g. marigold extracts.
♦ Most conventional jute fibres have been bleached to accept chemical dyes better – both toxic processes.
♦ Other treatments like flame resistance, crinkle resistance and moisture repellents are chemical based – toxic substances and a hazard to human health.

Performance
♦ A hardwearing fibre.
♦ Suits heavy wear.
♦ Not as durable as other natural woven fibres.
♦ Loses some performance when damp or wet.

Recyclable
Old fibres can be recycled repeatedly after use.

Disposal / Biodegradable
♦ 100% biodegradable.

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