Jute
contains cellulose like any other raw materials used for paper pulp. Experiments to
convert jute fibre and whole jute plant into paper pulp have successfully produced good
quality pulp and paper. The growing demand of pulp and paper worldwide on a continuous
basis and increase of public awareness on environmental issues have created conditions to
check depletion of forest resources through using jute/kenaf for producing pulp and paper.
This increasing demand for paper has led to excessive deforestation in both developed and
developing countries. The restoration of the forest resources is difficult because of the
relatively long growing cycle of trees. This situation will increase the competitiveness
of jute as a raw material for paper pulp and the paper industry.
Jute
can be used for the production of good quality writing and other papers. Furthermore,
using jute for pulp and paper has many advantages, like (i) using less chemicals than in
wood pulping, like chlorine; (ii) consuming less energy than traditional wood pulp due to
the low lignin content of jute; (iii) using treated wastewater from jute paper mills for
irrigation, etc.
Jute fibre has the potential
to compete with glass fibre, as reinforcing agents in plastics. Technologies exist that
make it possible to incorporate jute fibre into polypropylene. The resulting jute
composite granules can be used in thermoforming processing techniques, such as injection
moulding and compression moulding. Products made from jute-reinforced composites have the
advantage of low cost, low density, renewability and biodegradability. This composite can
be used, in the packaging industry, i.e. the manufacturing of crates, boxes or cases used
for storage and transportation of agricultural products; in the automobile industry, i.e.
to replace glass fibre in car door panels; and as construction material.
Applications of
jute-reinforced composites are expected to have a significant positive environmental
impact. This contrasts with the situation existing at present, because the packaging
industry is responsible for about one-third of the plastic consumption in developed
countries, and accounts for the production of 20.8% of total solid waste and 3.7% of
energy consumption.
Particleboard made from Bast
fibre, core fibre or the mixture of both can find a wide application as substitute of
wood. The availability of the technologies for producing particleboard and its high
socio-economic value are solid arguments in favour of the future development of this
product.
Jute geo-textile is another
product with a potentially large-scale application. It can have several uses: soil erosion
control, vegetation consolidation, agro-mulching materials, and road pavement
construction.
Jute, for its versatility,
rightfully deserves to be branded as the “fibre for the future”. It is the
natural option for a cleaner and healthier the environment. |
