The environmental and economic impact of using plant fibres for the production of low cost materials in developing countries

In recent years, plant fibres have been increasingly used, as a replacement for plastics-based materials. This replacement has environmental interest, in that the end-of-use scenario is likely to be more environmentally friendly, and also can be important for boosting the economy of developing countries, where most plant fibres of interest are cropped. In some of these countries, local expertise exists in manufacturing products with plant fibres (e.g., woven mats, bags, toys). In addition, some industrial sectors (building, automotive) look with renewed interest to plant fibres for a number of uses (e.g., automotive panels, anti-erosion nets). However, a possible risk is that plants for fibre production may just become other “cash crops”, without giving significant contribution to Third World economy.

The research was aimed at evaluating if the environmental gain obtained by replacing plastics with plant fibres can result also in reduction of unemployment and technological dependence in developing countries. More specifically, the study concentrated on the case of coir (coconut fibres) in Sri Lanka, where a very long history of local treatment and use of these fibres exist.
Methodology involved consulting scientific, economic and environmental literature and gathering data from coir producers and end-users of coir products to look at different perspectives. In addition, through contact with international organisations, the role of the international community in inspiring and directing the route for the development of this industry has been clarified. Finally, observing the future perspective of this issue involved considerations on the evolution of coir market in the next decade, relating them to the global political and environmental situation and to the specific position of Sri Lanka.

The results obtained confirmed the difficulty of finding the right balance between transforming the traditional manufacture of natural fibres products into a modern industry without falling in a “cash crop” like exploitation philosophy. Crucial factors possibly capable of setting this balance right are the co-operation between different fibre producing countries, and assistance from international organisations, in particular on the important aspect of lowering transportation costs. Coir fibre products particularly promising for Third World development appear to be geo-textiles, which present a significant added value, in spite of being produced by reasonably simple processes, and upholstery products, provided that problems linked with the use of chemicals are solved.