Jute
is a fiber which does not fibrillate or bleach easily. It is native to
India and the Far East. Jute paper is a wonderful and unique example of
a tree free paper and provides us with an amalgamation of rich
combinations and everlasting impact. Handmade Jute paper is made from
industrial waste with added fibrous strands.
Jute can be used for the production of high-quality writing and
specialty papers. The separated bark and core fractions can be used to
produce pulps with properties comparable to those produced from wood.
The bark fibers offer strength to the pulp while the shorter core fibers
provide appreciable surface characteristics.
Making of Jute Paper
- The jute is sorted by hand to remove unwanted materials and dust.
- The sorted material is then chopped into small pieces.
- Beat the small pieces gently in water and add inert chemicals to
give the paper desired color and consistency.
- The formed pulp is then diluted in water and put in a vat.
- Lift the pulp using a mold and a deckle and allow the extra water
to drain.
- The wet pulp is transferred on a felt sheet building up a stack
of interleaved sheets.
- Squeeze out the extra water using a press.
- Leave the sheets to dry.
- The sheets can be calendered, cold pressed or any other treatment
can be given to the sheet to get the desired paper.
- When the sheet is completely dried you get a beautiful, eco
friendly jute paper.
Advantages
of Jute Paper
Further more, using jute for pulp and paper has many advantages like:
- Using less chemicals than in woodpulping, like chlorine.
- Consuming less energy than traditional woodpulp due to the low
lignin content of jute
Applications of Jute Paper
- Jute papers are perfect for stitch and for combining with fabric
or other papers in multimedia textile art.
- Used to make carry bags and for packing heavy objetcs.
- Used as wonderful art paper and can be used for various crafting
projects.
- They form a good base for making a wall hanging and adding any
decoration to your house.
