FIBERS/MATERIALS INFORMATION
English Name:
ABACA (MANILA HEMP)
Scientific Name:
MUSA TEXTILES
ABACA (MANILA HEMP)
Scientific Name:
MUSA TEXTILES
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Leyte-Samar area are the top producers of abaca fibers. While banana is valued for its
fruits, the abaca is valued for its stalk The abaca plant also bear fruits and flowers that
and since have been propagated fto Southern Luzon and the Visayas region.
One distinguishing characteristic between the banana and the abaca plant is the shape
of the leaftip. The abaca is more pointed while the banana is rounded. Likewise the
abaca fruits are small and are not as enticing as that of the banana.
The abaca is a plant material that the Philippine government regulates. While other
plant material like seeds and flowers are freely shared between countries, among
research centers, the abaca is restricted material.
It is used in the handicraft business as pulp material for handmade paper, fibers to be
woven into ropes, and braids and cordage.
Acknowledgement :
Abaca Plant Photo and information from FIDA (Fiber Industry Development Authority -
Philippines)
fruits, the abaca is valued for its stalk The abaca plant also bear fruits and flowers that
and since have been propagated fto Southern Luzon and the Visayas region.
One distinguishing characteristic between the banana and the abaca plant is the shape
of the leaftip. The abaca is more pointed while the banana is rounded. Likewise the
abaca fruits are small and are not as enticing as that of the banana.
The abaca is a plant material that the Philippine government regulates. While other
plant material like seeds and flowers are freely shared between countries, among
research centers, the abaca is restricted material.
It is used in the handicraft business as pulp material for handmade paper, fibers to be
woven into ropes, and braids and cordage.
Acknowledgement :
Abaca Plant Photo and information from FIDA (Fiber Industry Development Authority -
Philippines)
SINAMAY is made from the stripped fibers of the abaca plant. These fibers come from
the stalk of the abaca plant which takes about two years to mature from planting to
about 1 1/2 to 2 meters long. This trunk is peeled throwing away the green-brown and
retaining only the clean and white portion. This will be processed into knotted fibers.
Usually, these fibers are extracted through hand extraction machine. The extracted
fibers are sun-dried which whitens the fiber.
The woven fabric is callled SINAMAY. It is usually bleached or dyed to any color shade.
In addition to dyeing the sinamay, it is sometimes woven with strands of gold called
rotex. It is an imported thread made in Taiwan which adds glitter to the finished
product.
The weaving is done by hand, thus the process is slow.
SINAMAY is hand-washeable, using mild soap and drip dried. This material can last up
to even more than a hundred years if properly taken cared of.
A sample of "SINAMAY" fibers made into a round box with pouch top. This box can be
used as a gift packaging material that is transparent and environment-friendly.
the stalk of the abaca plant which takes about two years to mature from planting to
about 1 1/2 to 2 meters long. This trunk is peeled throwing away the green-brown and
retaining only the clean and white portion. This will be processed into knotted fibers.
Usually, these fibers are extracted through hand extraction machine. The extracted
fibers are sun-dried which whitens the fiber.
The woven fabric is callled SINAMAY. It is usually bleached or dyed to any color shade.
In addition to dyeing the sinamay, it is sometimes woven with strands of gold called
rotex. It is an imported thread made in Taiwan which adds glitter to the finished
product.
The weaving is done by hand, thus the process is slow.
SINAMAY is hand-washeable, using mild soap and drip dried. This material can last up
to even more than a hundred years if properly taken cared of.
A sample of "SINAMAY" fibers made into a round box with pouch top. This box can be
used as a gift packaging material that is transparent and environment-friendly.
