Hobbies And Interests
History
Jute has been produced in Bengal for centuries. During the reign of the British empire in India in the 19th and early 20th centuries, jute fibers were transported to the Scottish town of Dundee where mill-owners processed it for fabric. By the 1970s, the practice of weaving jute for items such as bags had largely disappeared thanks to the appearance of synthetic fibers. Jute has once again found favor with a more environmentally aware public. Public bodies are also keen to promote its usage. The year 2009 was declared the International Year of Natural Fibres by the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Shopping
Many stores are attempting to phase out the use of plastic bags for carrying groceries. To fill the need for reusable, environmentally friendly bags, a number of manufacturers are producing low-cost jute bags for shopping. In October 2011, Wales will become the first country in the UK to charge shoppers for single-use carrier bags. In the run-up to the change, the Assembly Government is offering consumers free jute bags.
Advertising
Logos printed on jute bags are an effective form of advertising for companies concerned about portraying a positive environmental message. The enduring nature of jute means that bags may be repeatedly used over extended periods. Manufacturers such as Jute Xpo and Jute Bag have printed jute bags for supermarkets, government agencies, charities, universities and independent retailers. Businesses will usually have to wait between two and three weeks to have their orders processed.
Packaging
Jute bags are used for packaging a variety of goods ready for transportation. The high tensile strength of the woven fibers enables the bags to endure the rigors of long-distance travel. The Bangladeshi government's Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010 will require four state-owned enterprises to use jute bags for their packaging. These include farm-produced goods such as sugar, food grains and fertilizer.