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Nature and EnvironmentBangladesh

The Golden Fiber - Jute Farmers in Bangladesh

December 6, 2023

Bangladesh is one of the largest jute producers in the world. Now, an invention from the capital Dhaka could make the fiber indispensable: Namely, the creation of a biodegradable foil from jute cellulose.

https://p.dw.com/p/4XyN0
BdTD Bangladesch | Transport von Jute
Image: Syed Mahabubul Kader/ZUMA Wire/IMAGO

This material could be used to replace the world’s disposable plastic bags with bags made from biodegradable jute products.

Dokumentation | Faserfarmer - Bei Jutebauern in Bangladesch
Image: HR

Jute is called the "golden fiber" in Bangladesh because it has a metallic shimmer and has brought local farmers modest prosperity. The leaves of the young plant can also be used to make salad and tea. But growing the plant is hard work. And it’s not always profitable.

 

 

 

Dokumentation | Faserfarmer - Bei Jutebauern in Bangladesch
Image: HR

Harvesting jute stalks is usually done by hand and involves cutting the stalks with a machete. Jute farmers Ayub Ali Akand and Afaz Uddin Akand from Hijli village in Bogura district in northern Bangladesh wade deep in water while working in the fields. The bundled jute stalks are transported for further processing. Eventually, they are made into jute fabric in the region's large factories.

 

 

Dokumentation | Faserfarmer - Bei Jutebauern in Bangladesch
Image: HR

The scientist Mubarak Ahmad Khan has taken advantage of jute’s high cellulose content and developed a biodegradable foil. This is used to make the "Sonali Bag", a sustainable replacement for the plastic bag.

 

 

 

 

Dokumentation | Faserfarmer - Bei Jutebauern in Bangladesch
Image: HR

 

The development of this innovative material from jute cellulose is promising in view of the worldwide pollution of the oceans and environment, from which even Bangladesh is not spared. But will the natural product have what it takes to prevail over the multi-billion dollar plastic industry? Would commercial success make it more attractive for Ajub and Afaz and their children to continue their arduous work as "fiber farmers"? 

 

 

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