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 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) contribute to sustainable development by fostering social, environmental and economic development in some of the poorest rural areas in the world. The positive effects of using JACKS-based products can help offset some of the negative environmental impacts associated with plastic production and disposal.

Publications

OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034

15/07/2025

The Agricultural Outlook 2025–2034 is a collaborative effort of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. It brings together the commodity, policy, and country expertise of both organisations, as well as input from collaborating member countries, to provide an annual assessment of the prospects for the coming decade of national, regional, and global agricultural commodity markets.

Jute, kenaf, sisal abaca, coir and allied fibres statistical bulletin 2024

26/05/2025

The Food and Agricultural Markets Analysis Team (FAMA), provides economic data and analysis on major agricultural raw materials, horticultural and tropical products. The Team also undertakes market reviews, outlook appraisals and projections and provides assistance to member countries in designing and implementing national policies for those agricultural commodities, which enter into international trade.

Jute, kenaf, sisal, abaca, coir and allied fibres statistical bulletin 2023

02/09/2024

The Food and Agricultural Markets Analysis Team (FAMA), provides economic data and analysis on major agricultural raw materials, horticultural and tropical products.

Did you know?
Takeaways

	Products made from jute require less energy and have a low carbon footprint compared to plastic products. Jute can play a major role in achieving sustainable environmental objectives for countries that strive to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
	Products made from jute require less energy and have a low carbon footprint compared to plastic products. Jute can play a major role in achieving sustainable environmental objectives for countries that strive to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
	Abaca waste materials are used as organic fertilizer.
	Coir geotextiles are durable, absorb water, resist sunlight, facilitate seed germination, and are 100 percent biodegradable.

	JACKS fibres contribute to a global sustainable economy.
	Demand for these fibres remains strong owing to their wide range of uses, from traditional, to commercial and industrial applications (fabrics, cordage, ropes, geotextiles, carpets, buffing cloth, specialty paper, binding material, and soft applications in the automotive industry). Demand is also influenced by the increasing awareness of the environmentally friendly properties of natural fibres and by a shift in consumer preferences towards more sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable products.
	The JACKS market is stimulated by an increasing demand for value-added products, and further growth is expected following diversification and improved policies.