Bangladesh has placed jute at the centre of global climate discussions at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), hosting a session at its Jute Pavilion in the Green Zone in Antalya, Türkiye, yesterday (10 November).
Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles and Jute and industry partners, the event highlighted how a fibre deeply rooted in Bangladesh’s heritage could make a significant contribution to global climate action.
Known as the “golden fibre”, jute is carbon-negative during cultivation and fully biodegradable. Presenters said one hectare of jute could absorb up to 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide during a growing season, while soil carbon gains continue even after harvest, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Its applications now extend well beyond hessian and sacks to biodegradable shopping bags, geotextiles for erosion control and coastal protection, automotive composites, and advanced materials such as nanocellulose. Jute sticks, once discarded as waste, are now converted into charcoal and activated carbon.
The economic potential is equally significant. Raw jute worth about $1,200 per tonne can generate $2,400-$2,500 when processed into packaging materials and $4,000-$5,000 when turned into blended fibre products.
Under its 2026-2031 strategy, Bangladesh aims to double jute export earnings to $1.64 billion and increase the share of value-added products from around 45% to 70%. Solar-powered, carbon-neutral jute mills were cited as examples of how traditional industries can lead the transition to clean energy.
Looking ahead, officials identified nanocellulose research, accredited testing laboratories, digital traceability and compliance with emerging EU environmental regulations as key priorities, alongside stronger South-South and North-South partnerships.
Bangladesh linked jute directly to COP31’s key themes, including climate change mitigation, plastic pollution and circularity, adaptation, and a just transition that allows developing countries to industrialise without becoming locked into high-carbon development pathways.
Buyers, investors and technology partners have been invited to visit the Bangladesh Jute Pavilion in the Green Zone throughout the conference.
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