The rising global campaigns to ensure a pollution free world has forced the environmentalists to launch a number of innovative ways to implement. Even the world of fashion doesn't seem to be untouched from this make-everything-eco-friendly wave.
Thus many steps have been taken to give this fashion world a much needed "green" face. This revolution has given an unseen pace to the use of fashion apparel made of natural fibers. That is why the production of jute, commonly known as the "Golden Fiber", apart from organic cotton, is the latest fashion buzzword.
The most acclaimed and important step to motivate the production and use of jute has been taken by UN General Assembly. Wonderfully, the Assembly has declared the coming year(2009) as the International Year of Natural Fibers.
Many world jute bodies concerned with the use and development of jute are supposed to take the responsibility of speeding up this initiative by organizing numerous programs worldwide. Some of them are: The International Commodity Body(ICB) for Jute, The International Jute Study Group(IJSG) etc.
Despite being the second cheapest textile fiber after cotton, it has been one of the most neglected fashion fibers. The reasons could be many such as; the utter disinterest shown by the officials as well as the common consumers of fashion products etc.
PAST
The basic problem lies in the lack of technological advancements in the installation of better spinning machinery and scarcity of fund to initiate further research. As a matter of utter disgust, no innovation in the machinery has been noticed after 1950's. The last such thing happened years ago when twisted "roving" was replaced by silver spinning. Moreover, many machines installed during 1930-40 are still being used in many parts of South Asian countries.
PRESENT
Since 90's, however, the jute industry has seen a bit of development as various world bodies related to the development of jute fashion has started providing monetary, technological and research based help. The biggest beneficiaries are the South Asian countries. One of such examples is the financial help provided to many jute growing countries under a UNDP project. Most of the money is spent to buy more equipped jute-spinning machines.
FUTURE
The potential market trends related to jute fashion is quite bright. Thanks to the growing concern of people about the welfare of the eco-system. In coming decade, the production of jute-specific fashion products is estimated to be doubled-up. Most importantly, the key to the development of this industry lies in the modernization of the machinery as consumers are waiting for jute-products like never before.
Important Steps for the Better Promotion of Jute Fashion
Since it is an economical fiber which can be recycled too, it can take a central place if the promotion of jute fashion is taken carefully.
* As the jute has got, naturally, a rough surface so it may not be the number one choice for apparel. But the use of machinery and processes which makes jute smoother can be a better option to make it suitable for fashion.
* Though jute has got a natural golden tinge, it must be developed and processed in a way which can explore all the most popular colors worldwide too. This will make it more fashion-friendly fiber and colorfully vibrant.
* Mostly it is used by men. The use of jute by women is confined to the handbags only, most of the time. It has to be more women-friendly to end the men's monopoly.
