PTRI says the Philippines needs to make more of its natural fibres
13/03/2015
According to the institute, which is an agency of the government department of science and technology, the Philippines textile industry can make more of natural fibres the country has in abundance, such as abaca (a species of banana, also known as Manila hemp), piña (a fibre made from the leaves of a type of pineapple plant, the Spanish red pineapple), bamboo and waterlily.
PTRI has developed a nanotechnology programme that it says will allow manufacturers to enhance the properties of these fibres, making them softer, more resistant to water, fire-retardant, stain-resistant and antibacterial.
These “technologically sophisticated products” are for niche markets rather than mass production, PTRI has said, which means producers can expect to receive higher returns for them.
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