Diversification of Jute Fabric Through Product Development

Abstract

Jute known as the golden fiber once dominated the world market as a packing material. However, with the introduction of the more user friendly synthetic fibers, the demand for jute declined significantly. However with its advantageous properties of eco-friendliness, the use of this fibre can be promoted through diversification and development of value added products. Diversified products in the form of table-mats and table-runners have been made from jute decorative fabrics. With an objective to improve consumer acceptability value addition of the developed products has been done through printing and embroidery. A detailed consumer survey has been undertaken through a structured questionnaire and the data has been statistically analyzed using ANOVA test. Statistically significant difference has been found between the
respondent’s acceptability of different techniques of finishing used for the tablemats. 60% of the respondents rated printing as a better method of surface ornamentation compared to appliquéing. The table-runners made from jute fabrics were preferred by the respondents who found them better than full length table-cloths.