All About the Eco-Friendly Jute Fabric and Where to Buy it From!

It's no news that the fashion industry has been one of the biggest contributors to the degradation of the environment. With the need for conscious and sustainable fashion being the need of the hour, eco-friendly textiles are the best alternatives. These textiles have a low environmental impact and help maintain the carbon footprint. 

Being one of the most eco-friendly natural fibers in the world, jute has maintained its place as the 2^nd best fiber after cotton. The textile is soft, sturdy, and easy to produce. There are so many things to know about this fabric.

An Overview of the Jute Textile 

The jute fabric is derived from a plant that is spun into strong, coarse threads. This plant is usually grown in tropical countries like Bangladesh and India, and that is why it's not as popular in Western countries as it should be. The production of jute does not require as much water and resources as cotton.

Jute is India's primary textile fiber, and there are different options available when you buy jute fabric in India. It's been grown for textile use in India for the last 5000 years! Crazy, right? The jute plant became a cash crop to fund the British colonial movement and continued to be a major part of India's economy even after the British left. Back in the 20^th century, demand for jute decreased, but the recent development toward sustainability has brought this fabric back in demand. 

Characteristics of the Jute Fabric

Some notable features of this textile that makes it stand apart are –

• The fabric is bio-degradable and can be recycled and up-cycled, making it eco-friendly. 
• Jute is a very durable, organic material with a coarse texture. 
• This 2^nd most important natural fiber is immensely versatile and can be used for packaging, agriculture, textile, and non-textile industries.
• The silky and golden shine of this natural fabric is the reason behind its popular name, “golden fiber.”

Different Variants of Jute Fabric

While the fabric is commonly blended with cotton to create the jute cotton fabric, there are the following different types of jute available – 

White Jute	This type of jute is brighter in color than the others but less durable.
Tossa Jute	The most popular jute variant, Tossa jute, is brown and very durable.
Mesta Jute	Mesta jute is a combination of white jute and Tossa jute
Jute Cuttings	This waste part of the jute fabric can be used for many rudimental textiles.

How is the Jute Fabric Produced?

Rainfall and loamy soil are prerequisites for growing this plant-based fiber. The fiber thrives in warm, humid temperatures and doesn't require any fertilizers or pesticides. Harvested as stems from the jute plant, the jute fabric is produced by a process called retting, which takes around 10 to 30 days. The stems of the jute plant are soaked in slow-running water to allow bacteria to dissolve the gummy substance holding the fibers together. 

The next process is stripping, wherein the non-fiber part of the stem is scrapped off. The fibers are separated, washed, dried, and graded to be sent to the jute mills. Then, the fabric is finally produced with the help of yarns. 

In What Ways Can You Use Jute  Fabric?

Talking about the versatile nature of jute, the following are the uses of jute fabric in India –

• The most common use of jute is as sack bags for storing cotton and other commodities. 
• The fabric has also come around as a home décor must-have. You can make chic curtains, tablecloths, and rugs from the jute material.
• Jute furniture lasts longer and is low maintenance. The fabric is resistant to any water damage and gives a vintage, rustic look to the furniture.
• In the agriculture sector, the fabric is used to make geotextile. It is used as a protective lining for soil erosion, weed control, and many other purposes.
• On the fashion front, the jute tote bag is a statement piece. For beach holidays or running errands kind days, jute bags are a savior. When mixed with cotton, the jute cotton fabric can be used for making fine-quality garments like comfy pants.
• A lot of people don't know this, but jute is also used for skin care. The oil extract from the jute seeds can be used to make beautiful soaps for healthier-looking, naturally bright skin.
• With the destruction of forests for wood pulp becoming prolific, jute has also gained popularity in producing high-quality pulp and paper. 

Jute Fabric Care Instructions 

The best way to clean your jute bags, rugs, or curtains is to hand wash them. You need to handle the fabric gently and wash it with lukewarm water. Do not squeeze the fabric while wet, and avoid washing the jute with other fabrics. To iron the jute fabric, turn it inside out, to prevent damage. 

Where to Buy Jute Fabric From?

Now that we have learned about jute fabric, you might wonder, “From where to buy jute fabric in India?” There are a lot of online sites that deal with jute garments, accessories, and décor. Make sure to check the authenticity of the store before shopping from them and placing your orders. You can also shop from our jute collection at TradeUNO fabrics and choose the best jute fabrics for your needs. At TradeUno, we provide a convenient shopping experience in the comfort of your home.