burlap

Burlap, also called hessian in Europe, is a coarse, plain-woven fabric typically made from natural jute fibers obtained from the stem of the jute plant (Corchorus species). After retting, the fibers are cleaned, spun into yarn, and woven on wide looms. Some burlap uses other plant fibers such as kenaf or hemp or blends, but jute remains the most common.

Properties: Burlap is lightweight and strong for its weight, breathable, and inexpensive. Its rough texture makes it suitable for sacks and backing fabrics, but it readily absorbs moisture and can rot or mildew if kept wet. It frays at edges and can shed fibers; it also tends to shrink when washed.

Uses: Historically used for grain and coffee sacks, burlap is also used for packaging, horticultural applications such as root-ball wraps and weed suppression mats, erosion control and geotextiles, and various crafts and upholstery backing.

Care and environment: Burlap is biodegradable and compostable, a renewable resource when sourced from responsibly managed jute. It requires dry storage, and care usually involves brushing off dirt and air-drying; machine washing is discouraged or done on gentle cycles with careful drying. Its environmental footprint is generally lower than that of synthetic fabrics but depends on production practices.