Jute Wants a Share of the Fame and Fortune

Jute is another great material for eco conscious consumers. It is also extremely under-appreciated. Cotton takes most of the fame and fortune for the natural fiber materials. However, most people have never even heard of jute. Why is jute such an eco friendly material?

Jute is a fabric that we call "burlap" in North America. Burlap bags are actually made from Jute. They are typically long strands of fibers that are naturally woven together. Jute is a natural plant fiber. It is also one of the cheapest natural plant fibers available on the market, currently. The only natural fiber that is produced more than jute is cotton.

Another fiber that is very similar to jute is hemp. Most people have seen hemp jewelry, which is very popular. Jute is grown in a very warm and moist climate. So, it is not surprising that a country like India is the number one exporter for jute. The monsoon seasons that occur there. People produce jute in countries like India after harvesting the plant. They will take the fibers from the stalk of the plant and after ripping the fibers from the stalk, they will produce the end result: the fabric.

This fabric is then used to produce a number of textile items. Manufacturers now are using jute to produce stylish tote bags that are eco friendly. They are very durable and becoming quite popular. In Europe, people refer to them as "Gunny Sacks." In America, people refer to them, simply as jute tote bags. They look like a burlap sack, but they can be imprinted with lettering or images. Some manufactures also add other materials such as a cotton trim to add style and appeal.

Jute material is eco friendly because it is a natural fiber, it is reusable and durable, and it is biodegradable. These are the marks for a great eco friendly material.