Improved retting methods of jute to enhance fibre quality and retting waste management

Abstract

The quality jute fibre production entirely depends upon the process of retting not only on the production of jute. Retting is a rotting process generally preferred to separate the fibre from woody stem without damaging the fibre cellulose. Retting microbes consumes pectin and hemicellulose mainly that are non fibrous cementing materials. Over retting causes degradation of fibre cellulose while under retting does not allow removal of gummy materials completely that are pectic substances. Over retting as well as under retting causes production of low grade jute fibre. Moreover, jute fibre retting and extraction are also labour-intensive, depending upon productivity and the level of technology used. Production of quality jute fibre depends on the process of retting in presence of good quality water. Microbial retting and the extraction of the fibre from the woody core are important primary operations in the processing of jute crops for fibre production. This involves the immersion of bundles of plants in open water, lakes, rivers, ditches, canals and ponds and the controlled decomposition of the non-fibrous materials connecting the fibres to the bark of the plants by using aquatic microbes. Ribbon retting also reduces time of normal retting by 4-5 days, saves water, space and the cost of retting process up to 50% over the traditional method. These improved methods of jute retting able to produce higher quality of jute fibre.