Uses of abaca fiber

Philippine Daily Inquirer

July 05, 2009

CORDAGE. Ropes, twines, marine cordage, binders and cord

Pulp and paper. Tea bags, filter paper, base tissue, sausage casing, base paper, tipping paper, bank note and security paper, paper towel, sanitary napkin, cigarette paper, currency paper, file folders, envelopes, time cards, book binders and parchment papers

Microglass air-filter media, X-ray negative, optical lens wiper, vacuum filter and oil filter

Non-wovens. Medical gas masks and gowns, diapers, hospital linens and bed sheets

Handmade paper. Paper sheets, stationery, all-purpose cards, lamp shades, balls, dividers, placemats, bags, photo frames and albums, flowers and table clock

Fibercraft. Handbags, hammocks, placemats, rugs, carpets, purses and wallets, fishnets and doormats

Handwoven fabrics. Sinamay, pinukpok, tinalak and dagmay

Sacks, hotpads, hemp coasters, wall paper, wall cover, baskets, and furniture

Others. Wire insulator, cable and automobile components/composites

Since 2004, abaca fiber has been used in the automotive industry particularly by Daimler-Chrysler. It says abaca is the first natural fiber that has met its stringent quality requirements for resistance to stone strike and exposure to UV moisture and temperature extremes for components and on the exterior of vehicles.

The fiber is used in the outer cover lining of the company’s Class-A cars, which include the Plymouth and Mercedes Benz.

Research on product development could further open up opportunities for abaca fiber, especially for the following applications:

• As cement fiber laminas which can be used for making wall panels most suitable in the construction of high-rise buildings
• As composite material (abaca fiber blended with cement) for the construction of boats and banca
• As raw material component for the cosmetic industry and for apparels like “organic” denims

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