Executive summary

In this report a strategy is introduced to increase the yield of the traditional fibre industry of rural societies. This industry has changed very little throughout ages and still generates money by either (i) exporting raw materials (jute, flax, sisal or coir) or (ii) manufacturing traditional products such as bags, carpet backing, ropes, baskets, brushes and paper. Both have suffered a decrease in revenue in the past years due to stiff competition with synthetic materials and related products.

The strategy discussed in this report aims to add value to the crops by processing the fibres into so called natural fibre composites. Composites are hybrid materials made of a polymer resin reinforced by fibres, combining the high mechanical and physical performance of the fibres and the appearance, bonding and physical properties of polymers. Due to the wide variety of available manufacturing processes, each resulting in their own characteristic products, the design possibilities are numerous. Consequently, a composite product and its manufacturing process can be chosen to best fit the environment in which the products will be made and used. Besides the technical feasibility, manufacturing of composites becomes also financially feasible when using domestically grown natural fibres in combination with simple manufacturing processes. Potential products are roofing panels, fluid containers, bridges and small boats.

Due to the interest of western society in environmental friendly high performance materials, research institutes such as Delft University of Technology already possesses detailed knowledge on natural fibre composites. Using the natural fibre link, which connects the western composite industry to the traditional rural fibre industry, will facilitate the transfer of this knowledge. This link results in four benefits:

• Matching modern and traditional technology
• Compatibility of different cultures
• Increasing use of sustainable, cheap natural resources
• Reduction of investment costs

When starting up a natural fibre composite industry, the benefits can be summarised into Economical, Environmental and Technical, as follows:

• The entire production chain can be developed, maximising the benefits for the targeted country in terms of money and employment.
• Due to the interest on natural fibre composites in western world, targeted countries can participate in co-operative research, participating in globalisation. This is increased when also the export market for natural fibre composites is aimed at.
• Environmental benefits can be found in the sustainable character of the materials used and the fact that NF composites can replace tropical hardwood.
• Working conditions are improved due to the friendly character of the fibres (no skin irritation) and the lightweight property of the products, reducing the physical strain of the work. The latter benefits women largely, since they are well represented in the rural industry.

Projects on the transfer of NF composite technology to various developing countries at different locations of our planet are running and some have already been completed successfully. Everyday more experience is obtained in adapting NF composite for application in developing rural societies.