Ecoafriq eshop - Issue #12 Sisal fibres. Biodegradable fashion

Sisal is originally from Mexico, from a plant called Agave Sisalana. A succulent plant closely related to the plant which brings us tequila. It’s a crop that does very well in extreme hot and dry conditions, and in the 1890’s, was introduced to East Africa.

The Sisal plant is used to produce sisal line fiber. The processing methods for extracting sisal fibers include first soaking in water to soften it then followed by stripping the skin, in preparation for further processing. Sisal plants can live for 10-12 years and after sowing, between 1-2 years leaves collection can be started. The fibres can easily be blended with other fibres, such as wool, to produce a softer material.

Sisal Fibres are organic, biodegradable and sustainable.

It’s a plant that also requires minimal herbicides and pesticides ( if any), thus further reducing damage to the environment.

The fibers are used in the textile industries to make products such as bags, home decor products and carpets. Sisal fibres are 100% non toxic and can have a positive environmental impact on climate change. Sisal fiber is a vegetable fiber obtained from the leaves of the sisal plant. It’s a vegan friendly material.

The sisal plant is a versatile plant with environmental benefits. Over the plant’s life-cycle, the sisal plant absorbs more carbon dioxide than it produces. During processing, it generates mainly organic wastes that can be used to generate bioenergy, produce animal feed and fertiliser. Planting sisal and producing fiber can be one of the solutions to the poverty problem in poor countries. Agave Sisalana, the Sisal plant can grow well all year round in hot climate and arid regions which are often unsuitable for other crops. The plant can also be cultivated in most soil types, except clay and has low tolerance to very moist climates.

Ecoafriq favours Sisal Fibres for their durability and eco friendly qualities to make bags and home decor products. The lower-grade fibres are used in the paper industry because of its high content of cellulose and hemicelluloses. Sisal fibres are a true representative of sustainable, zero waste fashion!

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