Juutti

Juutti, or jute, is the natural fiber obtained from the bark of the jute plants, primarily Corchorus capsularis (white jute) and Corchorus olitorius (tossa jute). The fiber is long, soft, and light in color, typically ranging from pale beige to brown. It is one of the most affordable natural textile fibers and is valued for its strength, breathability, and biodegradability.

Jutti is grown in warm, humid climates, with major cultivation in the Ganges Delta region and surrounding areas. It is an annual crop, usually sown in the early rainy season and harvested after about four to six months. After harvest, the bark is retted to dissolve pectins and separate the fiber, a process that can be done by water, dew, or chemical methods. The retted fibers are then decorticated, carded, spun into yarn, and woven or braided into a variety of products. Fiber length and quality are influenced by species, climate, and retting practices.

Common uses include burlap or hessian sacks, bags, upholstery fabrics, carpet backing, geotextiles, and cordage. Jutti is valued for being strong, inexpensive, and highly absorbent, though it is comparatively coarse compared with cotton or flax. It is renewable and biodegradable, contributing to a lower environmental footprint when produced and processed responsibly. Environmental concerns center on retting practices, which can affect water quality if not managed properly.

Global production is led by Bangladesh and India, with smaller contributions from China, Nepal, and other countries. Jute has a long history in international trade and remains an important fiber for lightweight, low-cost applications.