Many of the products we offer are touted as being made of 100% natural materials. Jute is one of those materials.

In North America, we refer to Jute as Burlap. Jute is the strongest plant fiber known to man. It grows only in India. Many products are made from Jute because of the biodegradable properties.

In December 2006 the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 2009 to be the International Year of Natural Fibres, so as to raise the profile of jute and other natural fibres.

Jute is a plant fiber used to make common items such as rope, twine, chair coverings, curtains, sacks, cloth, carpets, and even the backing used on linoleum. Jute tends to be rough in texture, however fine threads of it are sometimes used to create imitation silk.

The thread created from jute is quite strong, yet it is among the most economical of natural fibers available. It also has exceptional insulating properties, low thermal conductivity, and antistatic characteristics. Products made from Jute are mostly limited to those that require the use of a material capable of biodegrading.

Jute is also considered to be a possible alternative to wood and paper. This is because its stem contains a woody inner core. Taking just four to six months to grow to maturity, jute can be harvested much more quickly than trees. Many hope to be able to use jute for paper and wood in order to slow down or prevent the loss of forests.

Most of the jute used today is grown in the Ganges delta. The reason being is the plant prefers climates that are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 68 to 104°F. Jute also requires about two to three inches of rainfall per week. China is second to India as the next largest producer of jute.