Fabric Definition:
Urena is a soft, jute-like bast fiber extracted from the Urena lobata plant, prized for its smooth texture, moderate strength, and excellent blending potential, making it a versatile and sustainable choice for packaging, apparel, and home textiles.
Composition:
100% Cellulose (Bast Fiber) – composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and low lignin; fibers are fine and relatively smooth
Texture:
Smooth, soft (for a bast fiber), slightly lustrous, with a dry, clean hand; less coarse than jute, similar to a blend of cotton and flax
Stretch Level:
None (Inherently no stretch; blends with cotton or spandex add flexibility)
Fabric Construction:
Woven (e.g., Urena Canvas, Blends with cotton, Twill) or Knitted (in blends)
GSM Range:
100-400 GSM (Light for shirting, medium for bags, heavy for canvas and upholstery)
Breathability:
Excellent – Highly breathable and moisture-absorbing
Moisture Management:
Good – Absorbs and releases moisture efficiently, dries at a moderate rate
Durability:
Moderate to Good – Good tensile strength for its weight, but not as strong as jute or hemp
Thermal Properties:
Good – Provides cool comfort in warm weather; moderate insulation
Key Usage Areas:
Apparel (Blends), Tote Bags, Market Bags, Home Textiles (Table Linens, Upholstery), Ropes, Twine, Packaging Fabrics, Canvas, Geotextiles, Paper
Agricultural twine, geotextiles, paper manufacturing, eco-packaging, acoustic panels, automotive composites