Bangladesh: Could jute jump start the eco-revolution? | DW Documentary

Bangladesh is one of the largest jute producers in the world. Now, an invention from the capital Dhaka could make the fiber indispensable: Namely, the creation of a biodegradable foil from jute cellulose. This material could be used to replace the world’s disposable plastic bags with bags made from biodegradable jute products. Jute is called the "golden fiber" in Bangladesh because it has a metallic shimmer and has brought local farmers modest prosperity. The leaves of the young plant can also be used to make salad and tea. But growing the plant is hard work. And it’s not always profitable. Harvesting jute stalks is usually done by hand and involves cutting the stalks with a machete. Jute farmers Ayub Ali Akand and Afaz Uddin Akand from Hijli village in Bogura district in northern Bangladesh wade deep in water while working in the fields. The bundled jute stalks are transported for further processing. Eventually, they are made into jute fabric in the region's large factories. The scientist Mubarak Ahmad Khan has taken advantage of jute’s high cellulose content and developed a biodegradable foil. This is used to make the "Sonali Bag", a sustainable replacement for the plastic bag. The development of this innovative material from jute cellulose is promising in view of the worldwide pollution of the oceans and environment, from which even Bangladesh is not spared. But will the natural product have what it takes to prevail over the multi-billion dollar plastic industry? Would commercial success make it more attractive for Ajub and Afaz and their children to continue their arduous work as "fiber farmers"? #documentary #dwdocumentary #bangladesh ______ DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary. Subscribe to: ⮞ DW Documentary (English):    / dwdocumentary   ⮞ DW Documental (Spanish):    / dwdocumental   ⮞ DW Documentary وثائقية دي دبليو (Arabic):    / dwdocarabia   ⮞ DW Doku (German):    / dwdoku   ⮞ DW Documentary हिन्दी (Hindi):    / dwdochindi   For more visit: http://www.dw.com/en/tv/docfilm/s-3610 Follow DW Documentary on Instagram:   / dwdocumentary   Follow DW Documental on Facebook:   / dwdocumental   We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G