Jute

Jute is a bast fibre extracted from the stems of Corchorus plants, and India is the world's largest producer, with the crop concentrated in West Bengal, Assam and Bihar. Stems are retted in water for two to three weeks, stripped, washed and sun-dried, producing the golden fibre the crop is named for. Jute is fully biodegradable, needs little fertiliser or irrigation, and regenerates annually, which is why it has become the default material for sustainable Indian bags, rugs, storage baskets, table linen and gift packaging. It is strong in tension and holds structure well, so a jute tote keeps its shape under load, but it is weakened by prolonged damp and can develop mildew. Buy laminated or cotton-lined jute for anything that will carry liquids. Care is simple: spot clean with a barely damp cloth, never machine wash, dry fully in shade before storage, and avoid folding rugs along the same crease for long periods.