Types of Jute

Jute is a naturally occurring, inexpensive fiber that is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Because of its natural golden shine, jute is also known as "the golden fiber." Jute is most commonly used to make consumer goods such as bags and rugs. The types of jute used to make goods are purchased in several grades as well as blends of jute and other fibers.

White raw jute originated centuries ago in the poorer regions of India and was first used to make clothing for villagers and farmers. When trying to locate white raw jute for personal or industrial use, it is also known as "bangla white." Since them, white raw jute has grown in personal and industrial use. White raw jute is traditionally used to make products such as yarn, twine and rope. The grades of this type of jute are bangla white A, B, C, D and R.

Tossa raw jute and white raw jute are the most commonly found types of jute and are grown where climate permits in India. Tossa raw jute is silkier and much stronger than white raw jute; because of its extra strength, it is also used to make bags such as gunny sacks and clothing. Tossa raw jute is also available in grades A though E.

Mesta is a blend of the mesta plant and raw white jute, and is graded differently than raw white jute and tossa raw jute; the grades are mesta top, mesta mid and mesta bottom. Mesta because a part of jute production in 1947, when India had to partition its land. Since that time, mesta has become a more important part of this blend because mesta is capable of growing in areas where the climate is not appropriate for raw white or tossa jute.

Cuttings are considered the lowest grade of jute. Like other harvested products, cuttings are often the left over jute of other grades and can be a mixture of leftovers. Jute cuttings are most often used to make paper products; less often, jute cuttings are used to make bags, ropes or other goods, as these products are not as strong. Both white raw jute and tossa raw jute cuttings are available in grades A and B.