Ramie Fiber

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud., Boehmeria nivea var tenacissima), commonly known as Chinese grass, white ramie, green ramie and rhea is one of the group referred to as the bast fibre crops.

However, it differs from the other bast fibre crops in several important characteristics. The first is that ramie is a hardy perennial which under suitable conditions can be harvested up to six times a year. As well, the useful crop life ranges from 6 to 20 years. The second difference is that the bark contains gums and pectins which necessitate a chemical treatment to recover the bast fibres.

History of Ramie

Ramie is one of the oldest textile fibres. It was used in mummy cloths in Egypt during the period 5000-3300 BC and has been grown in China for many centuries. The main producer counties are reported to be China, Brazil, Philippines, India, South Korea and Thailand but the available statistics are not reliable.

Brazil began production in the late 1930s with production peaking in 1971 with about 30,000 t. Since then, production has steadily declined as a result of competition with alternative crops, such as soybeans and the importation of synthetic fibres.

Production in the Philippines began in the early 1950s, peaking in the mid 1960s with 5,500 t. Since then, production has declined steadily.

Uses of Ramie Fibre

Ramie fibre is used in fine linen and other clothing fabrics, upholstery, canvas, filter cloths, sewing threads, gas mantles, fishing nets and marine packings.

When used in admixture with wool, shrinkage is reported to be greatly reduced when compared with pure wool.

Short fibres from processing wastes are used for the production of high quality papers, such as bank notes and cigarette papers.

Properties of Ramie

Ramie is one of the strongest natural fibers. It exhibits even greater strength when wet. Ramie fiber is known especially for its ability to hold shape, reduce wrinkling, and introduce a silky lustre to the fabric appearance. It is not as durable as other fibers, and so is usually used as a blend with other fibers such as cotton or wool. It is similar to flax in absorbency, density and microscopic appearance. However it will not dye as well as cotton. Because of its high molecular crystallinity, ramie is stiff and brittle and will break if folded repeatedly in the same place; it lacks resiliency and is low in elasticity and elongation potential.

Producers of Ramie

China leads in the production of ramie and exports mainly to Japan and Europe. Other producers include Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Brazil. Only a small percentage of the ramie produced is available on the international market. Japan, Germany, France and the UK are the main importers, the remaining supply is used domestically.