Bundle of natural sisal fibre
Natural Fibres

Sisal fibre

Natural sisal fibre (Agave sisalana) in line and tow grades for rope, baler twine, mats and industrial processing. Quoted by East African grade, bale weight and bale count.

  • Grade 1
  • Grade A
  • Grade 2
  • 3L
  • UG

Specification

Product specification
AttributeDetail
SpeciesAgave sisalana leaf fibre
FormsBrushed line fibre and tow
Grading basisFibre length, colour, brushing quality and cleanliness
Colour rangeCreamy white (top grades) to yellowish or blemished (lower grades)
PackingHydraulically pressed, strapped bales
Lot detailsGrade, origin, bale count and net weight listed on the quotation

Sisal grades

Sisal grades
GradeWhat it means
Grade 190 cm and over. Well decorticated and brushed, free of tow and dust, creamy white to cream.
Grade AAs Grade 1 in length and preparation, slightly yellowish or with some tousled ends.
Grade 275–90 cm, otherwise as Grade 1.
3LLong brushed fibre with minor colour or cleaning defects; free of bark and knots.
UG60 cm and over. Brushed fibre with wider colour variation allowed.
UF60 cm and over. Some bark and harshness allowed; may be unbrushed.
SCWFShort clean white fibre, 45–60 cm.
Tow 1 / Tow 2Short fibre from the brushing machines. Tow 1 is cleaner and paler; Tow 2 allows darker colour.

Packaging

Pack formats
FormatConfiguration
Pressed balesHydraulically pressed and steel- or sisal-strapped. Bale weight depends on the press; net weight per bale is stated on the packing list.
Bale markingGrade, lot number, bale number and net weight on each bale.
Container loadingBales hand-stacked or clamp-loaded into dry containers.

Applications

Ropes and marine cordage, baler and binder twine, mats and carpets, plaster reinforcement, buffing cloth and specialty paper pulp.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between line fibre and tow?

Line fibre is the long, brushed fibre graded by length and colour. Tow is the shorter fibre removed during brushing, used for padding, pulp and cheaper twine.

Which grade is used for rope?

Rope and quality twine usually use long grades such as Grade 1, 2 or 3L. UG and UF suit coarser products.

What is the minimum order quantity?

It depends on the product and the lot. The minimum quantity, price and delivery terms are set out in the written quotation.