What is sisal fiber?

Sisal fibers are made from sisal plant leaves. The botanical name of sisal is Agave sisalana which is a flowering plant species that is native to southern Mexico but is also found and produced in many other countries. For many centuries, hemp was the major source of fiber and other fibers were named after it, hence sisal plant is also referred to as ‘sisal hemp’ sometimes. The word sisal means cold water. Among all the plant fibers, the sisal fibers occupy sixth place. The global production of sisal is around two percent of the world’s total plant fiber production.

Sisal fiber is a stiff fiber that is used in making rope and various other products such as paper, cloth, footwear, hats, bags, carpets, geotextiles, and dartboards. It is also used as fiber reinforcements in rubber, cement products, etc. the plant of sisal has a life span of seven to ten years and it produces around 200 – 250 leaves throughout its productive period. The sisal leaves are around 1.5 to 2 meters long and have a sword-like shape.

Sisal is a hard fiber that is obtained from the outer leaf skin, removing the inner pulp. Sisal plants are perennial succulents that usually grow in hot and dry areas. Sisal is an environmentally friendly fiber and a fully biodegradable fiber. Sisal fiber is a fully biodegradable fiber. The fiber has low maintenance, with minimal wear and tear, and is exceptionally durable. The global production of sisal fiber is about 300,000 tonnes. The production of sisal fiber is done from the process of decortications which involves the compression and trampling of sisal leaves by a revolving wheelset.