8. Conclusions

• Due to the wide variety of available manufacturing processes, each resulting in their own characteristic products, the design possibilities for composite products are numerous. Consequently, a composite product and its manufacturing process can be chosen to best fit the developing rural societies 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.
• Within the composite industry, NF composites form an interesting group. Bio-composites often lead to a reduction in weight and costs and are more environmental friendly. For these reasons the popularity of these composites is increasing in the western world and already a significant amount of scientific knowledge is generated.
• The fact that most developing countries still strongly depend on their rural sector, which supplies the raw materials for NF composites, gives a good link to transfer the technology, the so-called natural fibre link. The link is strongest when making NF composite part of the rural industry.
• Using the natural fibre link to transfer the technology shows 4 advantages:
1. The modern technology largely matches the traditional fibre technology
2. Due to this matching the cultural differences are decreased
3. The natural materials are domestically grown and expensive import of synthetic materials is not required.
4. The required investment costs are relatively low.
• A sustainable development approach is pursued, meaning that after the introduction of the technology, the receiving country is capable of independent further development. To facilitate this development, all aspects of bio-composites must be present in society:
1. Concept development
2. Material fabrication
3. Product manufacturing
4. Market
5. Regulations
• Knowledge for concept development requires to be transferred to Universities to fully use all advantages composites provide. Manufacturing of materials and products will be done in rural areas. To reach the domestic market, single Small Scale and Cottage Enterprises (SSCE) need to be founded. When aiming at Small Scale and Cottage Enterprises all aspects of the NF composite industry remain in domestic hands, whereas future options for export remain open. A regulatory framework has to be erected on governmentallevel.
• When starting up a natural fibre composite industry, the benefits can be summarised into Economical, Environmental and Technical, as follows:
1. The entire production chain can be developed, maximising the benefits for the targeted country in terms of money and employment.
2. 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.
3. Environmental benefits can be found in the sustainable character of the materials used and the fact that NF composites can replace tropical hardwood.
4. 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.