Markets and Trade

Jute and hard fibres

What are JACKS?

Jute, abaca, coir, kenaf and sisal (JACKS) are natural fibres that have multiple end uses. Their versatility and the increasing awareness of their environmentally friendly characteristics are strong advantages over synthetic fibres. JACKS-based products are a sustainable alternative to plastics.

Commodity in focus

Production and export of jute, abaca, coir, kenaf and sisal (JACKS) contributes to sustainable development, by fostering social, environmental and economic development in some of the poorest rural areas in the world. Positive externalities generated by the use of JACKS-based products can help offset some of the negative environmental impacts associated with plastic production and disposal.

Takeaways:

JACKS fibres contribute to a global sustainable economy.

Demand for these fibres is strong due to their variety of applications including cordage, geotextiles, carpets, buffing cloth, specialty paper, binding material, “soft” applications in the automotive industry, and the increasing awareness that natural fibres are environmentally friendly.

The JACKS market is stimulated by the increasing demand for value added products, and further growth is expected on the back of diversification and improved policies.

Did you know?

  • Jute products consume less energy and are carbon negative, scoring a good ecological footprint. Jute can play a major role in achieving sustainable environmental objectives for countries across the globe who strive to mitigate greenhouse gases.

  • Sisal is a renewable resource which could help solve climate change. Measured over its life-cycle, sisal absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces. During processing, it generates mainly organic wastes and leaf residues that can be used to generate bioenergy, produce animal feed, fertiliser and ecological housing material. At the end of its life cycle, sisal is 100 percent biodegradable.

  • Abaca waste materials are used as organic fertilizer.

  • Coir Geotextiles made from coir are durable, absorb water, resist sunlight, facilitate seed germination, and are 100 percent biodegradable.

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