Jute is made from plant fibres. These fibres are cellulosic, meaning they contain tiny pores and capillaries that naturally attract and hold water molecules. Jute is composed of 60–70% cellulose, a material that is highly hydrophilic (water-attracting). This makes the fibre naturally absorb and release moisture depending on the environment.
Jute fibres have a micro-tubular structure. Moisture easily travels through these capillaries, causing the fibre to absorb water quickly, especially in humid conditions. Hessian fabric is loosely woven, allowing air and humidity to easily pass through it. Because of this porosity:
- Moisture in the air settles into the fibres
- Fabric can absorb 10–15% moisture without feeling wet
Jute is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment. This is a common property of most natural fibres like cotton, coir, and wool. Unlike polypropylene or plastic bags, hessian has no waterproof coating. Therefore, it absorbs moisture rather than repelling it.
Best practices are:
1. Keep in a Cool, Dry Environment
< Store jute in an area with low humidity to prevent moisture absorption.
< Ideal humidity: 50–60%.
< Avoid damp floors, wet walls, or leaking roofs.
2. Elevate From the Floor
< Use pallets, racks, or wooden planks to keep jute products off the ground.
< This prevents moisture transfer and mould growth.
3. Ensure Proper Ventilation
< Maintain good airflow around the products.
< Avoid stacking jute too tightly to prevent condensation.
4. Protect From Direct Sunlight
< Keep jute away from UV exposure to prevent fibre weakening and colour fading.
5. Use Protective Covers
< Cover products with tarpaulin or breathable fabric sheets, not plastic (plastic traps moisture).
< For long-term storage, consider using moisture-resistant covers.
6. Avoid Storing Near Chemicals
< Keep jute away from oils, fuels, strong odours, and chemicals to avoid contamination.
7. Stack Properly
< Do not stack too high to avoid compression damage.
< Ideal stacking height: 1.5–2 metres, depending on product type (bags, rolls, matting).
8. Routine Inspection
Check periodically for:
< Dampness
< Mould or mildew
< Insect activity
< Discolouration or fibre softening
9. Pest Control
< Maintain regular warehouse pest management.
< Avoid storing near grains or food items to prevent insects.
10. FIFO System (First-In, First-Out)
< Use the older stock first to avoid long-term ageing of fibres.
