Future Fibers of Choice: Coir, Jute or Hemp?

Using environmentally friendly fibers is a growing trend, and coir, jute, and hemp are some of the most popular so-called future fibers. Once you have decided to consider natural, biodegradable materials for your manufacturing process or in purchases for your home, you may wonder which of the dominant natural fibers on the market is the best option for your needs. Is it coir, jute, or hemp?

Coir for Brushes, Mats, and Mattresses

Because coir is a short, strong fiber, it is ideal for products where a more rigid bristle provides better performance. Because it has a lot of lignin, the substance that makes trees rigid, it can effectively clean vegetables, as part of a brush, or remove debris from boots, as part of a mat. Because bacteria do not grow much on coir, and it is salt-water resistant, it can also be used in automobile interiors to reduce odor and wear over the course of a long period of use. For instance, drivers and passengers produce saline perspiration, so salt-water resistance comes into play in all situations, not just beachside ones, and coir is helpful for drivers whose boots have been on icy, salt-treated sidewalks. This same salt-water resistance and bacterial resistance make it ideal for use in mattress-making as well.

Jute for Strong Sacks and Curtains

Jute is both softer and longer than coir, though it would be considered coarse compared to clothing fabrics like cotton. Despite being softer, it is extremely strong and provides effective insulation. It can be used to produce burlap bags, which are known to stay intact and keep products fresh and safe. Its insulating and cloth-like properties also make it a great future fabric for curtains that keep out both cold and heat. Unlike coir, jute can also be dyed to your color of choice.

Hemp for Couch Covers and Clothing

Compared to jute, hemp generally has slightly more cellulose and less lignin. This makes it closer to cotton, which is extremely high in cellulose, and also makes it the future fiber most suited to clothing. Because hemp requires less land and water to grow than cotton does, it is considered a future fabric of choice to protect the environment. Hemp is more durable and holds dye better than cotton, though it feels less soft against the skin. Its resilience can also make it ideal as a pillow cover or couch fabric. Combining it with cotton can make it soft enough for use in clothing.

Coir, jute, and hemp are all at the top of the list when it comes to future fabrics. These long-used traditional fibers are making the transition to the modern marketplace. They are biodegradable and will help prevent our landfills from overflowing as our population expands. Their growth is a source of new jobs worldwide, and they are an important part of our future world economy. Choosing these products for your home and business makes a difference not only in your own life, as they are relaxing and attractive natural fibers but also in our economy and environment.