Multi-stakeholder consultation in conjunction with the joint meeting of the intergovernmental group on hard fibres and the Intergovernmental group on jute, kenaf and allied fibres
Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 15 November 2011
Opening
The role of the IGGs in fostering partnerships and the opportunities offered by the Consultation. Keynote address: The challenges for producers and industrial users of natural fibres to contribute to greener and more equitable production systems
Innovative Fibre Products
A. Status of research on natural fibre composites – technical advantages/ disadvantages of hard fibres and jute vis‐à‐vis other natural and synthetic fibres in major applications and ongoing research challenges.
B. Market and commercial implications in selected industries – applications for the fibres concerned, volumes absorbed, industrial requirements (quality, stability of supply, price differentials at which natural fibres are competitive in various applications ) and projected market growth.
1. Automotive industry – Experience of large industries and regulatory factors contributing greater use of natural fibres in technically suitable applications: current situation and future prospects
2. Construction materials
3. Composite for other uses (packaging, home furnishings, etc.)
Environment, Sustainability and Certification: Challenges Facing Hard Fibres and Jute, Kenaf and Allied Fibres
A. Transforming biomass into a resource – Environmental and social problems and costs associated with increased waste agricultural biomass as a result of intensive agriculture in the wake of population growth; possible options for dealing with waste from fibres involved; opportunities and constraints to the diffusion of appropriate technology (production‐side issues)
1. Fibre waste management systems: opportunities, costs and technology advisory resources
2. Developing country experiences
B. Approaches to certification and regulatory requirements – Options and issues associated with the development of a road map to implement environmental and sustainability standards for hard fibres and jute
IV. Expected outputs of the consultation
1. Identify value added (new technological advancement) fibre products that would increase demand which would in turn increase margins and hence income through the value chain
2. Evaluate and prioritize products which should be considered by the project for implementation (based on socio‐economics/returns/profitability)
3. Identify environmental and certification needs to promote sustainability
4. Focus on how smallholders can be involved and what role they could play
5. Propose enabling policies that would promote smallholder participation
