Jute

Imagine a plant that feeds millions of people from simple, golden fibers and makes the world more sustainable. That is jute!
Its journey began thousands of years ago in the fertile valleys of South Asia, where people discovered that they could obtain strong fibers from its stalks. These fibers protected goods on long journeys, clothed people and enriched the soil.
Today, jute is more than just a relic of the past. It is a symbol of sustainability and hope – a response to the challenges of climate change and environmental pollution.

A portrait of jute

Jute (Corchorus spp.), in particular the species Corchorus capsularis (white jute) and Corchorus olitorius (Tossa jute), belongs to the mallow family(Malvaceae). It is an annual, fast-growing plant that can reach a height of up to four meters.
The plants have lance-shaped green leaves and small yellowish flowers. The fibers are obtained from the phloem of the stem. Jute grows best in warm, humid climates and on fertile soils in floodplains.

From colonial good to climate saviour

The history of jute dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. Historical records show that it was used in ancient Egypt to make ropes and mats. Jute has also played an important role in the local economy and everyday life in India and what is now Bangladesh for centuries.

With the rise of the British Empire, and also with industrialisation in the 19th century, jute became one of the most important trade goods. The British occupying power promoted jute production in Bangladesh and India. Bengali jute, especially from the regions around Kolkata, was exported to Europe in large quantities. Here it was used to make sacks, carpets and other products that were indispensable for the growing industrial world.

India and Bangladesh still dominate the global jute market today and together produce around 85% of the global harvest. While India mainly relies on processing for the domestic market, Bangladesh is the leader in exports. Countries such as China and Nepal also contribute to global production.

Recently, jute has experienced a renaissance as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials. Due to its biodegradability and environmental friendliness, jute is increasingly being used for packaging, bags and textiles. However, the plant’s great thirst is critical – like cotton, jute also needs a lot of water, with especially large amounts needed during the fiber processing stage.

Really ‘just’ fiber? The many uses of jute

Jute is mainly used as a fiber plant for the production of sacks, carpets, ropes and packaging materials. It is increasingly being used in the fashion industry as an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fibers. But it also has other uses. In some regions, jute is used as a green manure to enrich the soil with organic material.

Jute fibers are also used in paper production and for composite materials. Last but not least, jute is edible: the leaves of Tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius) are prized as a vegetable (e.g. molokhia) in African, Arabic and Asian cuisine.

Unfair trade

In Europe and the USA, the demand for jute products in the fashion industry is increasing, e.g. for bags, shoes and accessories. But does this mean a boost for small farmers in Bangladesh and India? Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, as the producers often receive low wages. The jute production chain is dominated by middlemen who pocket a large share of the profits. In addition, the market is not secure and is constantly in competition with synthetic fibers such as polypropylene.

Sources

International Jute Study Group
“The History and Revival of Jute” (Smithsonian Magazine)
“Jute in Sustainable Development” (UN Report)