EXCLUSIVE - Following the successful commercialization of abaca, pineapple and banana as raw materials for Philippine tropical fabrics, the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) is now looking at saluyot, maguey and water lily as new fiber sources.

In a phone interview with the Manila Bulletin, PTRI director Dr. Carlos Tomboc disclosed that among the institute’s latest research projects is the use of saluyot (jute leaves), maguey and water hyacinth or water lily as new fiber sources.

Maguey plant originated in Mexico but can also be found in Central Visayas and Northern Luzon. It is used for producing rope and cordage.

The project started last year with plans to launch the products from new fiber sources by the middle or end of the year to coincide with this year’s celebration of the International Year for Indigenous Fibers as proclaimed by the United Nations (UN).

“We’re now looking at new fiber sources. The initial findings are very favorable,” he said.

Tomboc said initial findings on saluyot revealed that it is good for use as clothing fabric while maguey and water lily are favorable for use as home textile like curtains, upholstery, table runners, table napkins, and handicrafts, among others.

Prior to the research and development (R & D) of saluyot, maguey and water lily as textile raw materials, PTRI had introduced abaca, pineapple and banana as raw materials for tropical fabrics.

These, plus Philippine silk, are now used to produce high-end barongs, particularly by Filipino designers based abroad.

The institute also introduced the natural dye technology, of which dye sources come from indigenous materials like coconut, mahogany, cogon grass, malathayum, Around 75 indigenous plants have been identified by PTRI as good sources of natural dyes.