Kenaf

Kenaf is a natural plant-based material obtained from the stem of Hibiscus cannabinus, commonly known as kenaf or hemp hibiscus. It is a bast fibre similar to jute and is valued for its high strength, low weight, and ecological renewability. Its history dates back to ancient Egypt and Africa, where it has been used for over 4,000 years to produce ropes, sacks, and sails; commercial textile applications in Asia have been documented since the 18th century. Kenaf processing begins with harvesting and cutting the stems, followed by traditional water retting, which allows the fibres to separate from the woody core. This is followed by mechanical breaking, scutching, and spinning, similar to jute processing. Kenaf fibres are typically 2–4 mm long, with tensile strength ranging from 295 to 1191 MPa and a high cellulose content, which gives them strong mechanical performance. In the textile industry, kenaf is used for technical fabrics, ropes, cordage, netting, paper pulp materials, and increasingly for lightweight reinforcement in eco-composites. It is also blended with cotton for textile yarns used in apparel. Its fast growth, renewability, and biodegradability make it a highly attractive material for sustainable production.