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Science & Nature • Botany

Jute

Jute is a long, rough bast fibre obtained mainly from plants in the genus Corchorus, especially Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jute is a long, rough bast fibre obtained mainly from plants in the genus Corchorus, especially Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius. It is a natural vegetable fibre used to make sacks, ropes, twine, burlap, and other packaging and textile products. Jute is also used in some paper products and other industrial materials.

Botanical source

Jute is produced from flowering plants in the genus Corchorus, which belongs to the mallow family Malvaceae. The two principal cultivated species are C. capsularis and C. olitorius.

Fibre characteristics

Jute is a long, coarse, shiny bast fibre taken from the stem’s inner bark. It is known for being strong and suitable for spinning into coarse threads and woven materials.

Uses

Jute is used in sacks, twine, ropes, burlap, carpet backing, packaging, and some paper products. Its low cost and biodegradability have made it a common natural fibre for industrial use.

Cultivation and distribution

Jute grows best in warm, humid climates with abundant rainfall and is commonly cultivated as an annual crop. Commercial production is concentrated in South Asia, particularly Bangladesh and India.

Key facts

  • Jute refers both to the fibre and to the plants that produce it.
  • The fibre comes from the bast, or inner bark, of Corchorus stems.
  • Two main cultivated species are used commercially: white jute and tossa jute.
  • Jute is valued for strength, low cost, and biodegradability.
  • It is widely used for packaging materials such as sacks and hessian cloth.
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Canadian context

Jute is relevant in Canada mainly as an imported natural fibre used in packaging, textiles, gardening products, and some industrial applications.

Frequently asked questions

What is jute?
Jute is a natural bast fibre and the name of the plants that produce it, mainly species of Corchorus.
Which plants produce jute?
The main commercial sources are Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius.
What is jute used for?
It is used for sacks, ropes, twine, burlap, packaging materials, carpets, and some paper products.
Why is jute called the golden fibre?
Jute is commonly called the golden fibre because of its yellow-brown sheen and economic importance.
Where is jute mainly grown?
It is mainly grown in warm, humid regions of South Asia, especially Bangladesh and India.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/jute-plant
    Supports: Jute as Corchorus species, family Malvaceae, and general definition.
  2. 2000m2 — https://www.2000m2.eu/crop/jute/
    Supports: Growth habit, climate, plant description, fibre source, and uses.
  3. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/science/jute
    Supports: Jute as a natural fibre used in textiles, ropes, boards, paper, and related products.
  4. ScienceDirect Topics — https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/jute
    Supports: Jute as a bast fibre crop used mainly in South Asia and for packaging.
  5. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/jute/275201
    Supports: Jute products, climate preferences, and broad consumption among natural fibres.