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.