2009 United Nations International Year of Natural Fibres
Natural Fibres are derived from plants or animals and can be spun into filaments, thread or rope. Natural Fibres can also be used as a component of composite materials. Sisal Fiber is classed as a leaf fibre which is increasingly used in the textile, building and automotive industries due to environmental considerations as well as economical and technical aspects.
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Traditionally, Sisal has been used mostly for the production of agricultural twines, ropes, cordage, sacks, bags and carpets whereas current scientific researches have concluded the possibility of using sisal to produce biogas, bio fertilizers, biofuel, industrial alcohols, inulin, pulp for paper, buffing cloth and composites for the construction industry.
The future of the Sisal Industry, therefore, depends on the diversification of its end uses. The focus now should be on the production of value added products like biogas which, for example, solves environmental problems related to the sisal residue, generates energy to be used in the sisal industry, produces valuable biological fertilizer and reduces green house gas emissions.
Quick Facts:
- Sisal cloth is strong enough to polish metal but soft enough not to scratch.
- Sisal pulp and paper is very strong substitute for wood fibres
- Sisal textiles can substitute or enhance fibreglass used to reinforce plastic in automobiles, boats, furniture, water tanks and pipes.
- Sisal-based bricks, roofing tiles, insulation material and fibreboard are increasingly used in the construction industry world-wide.
G U N D U A S I N G A A S I L I A - M K O N G E
http://www.naturalfibres2009.org
On 20th December 2006 the UN declared 2009 as United Nations International Year of Natural Fibres because of the importance of natural fibres in the World.
The major purpose of the year is to raise awareness and stimulate demand for natural fibres, to promote efficiency and sustainability of the natural fibres industries, to encourage appropriate policy responses from governments to the problems faced by natural fibre industries and to foster an effective and enduring international partnership among the various natural fibres industries.
Annual Report - 2010