TODAY -

Jute bags versus Lenobags

Prof N Irabanta Singh *



Introduction: During the past one decade, traditional gunnybags or jutebags are hardly seen for packing agricultural produce such as onion, garlic, potato ,etc which are generally on sale at the Dharmasala area, Thangal Bazar, Kwairamband Keithel. These gunny bags have been replaced by colorful Plastic bags known as Leno bags. In this article, the writer try to explain how traditional jute bags market is declining whereas plastic made lenobags are flourishing in the market.

Jute bags: According to a rough estimates by the West Bengal Cold Storage Association (WBCSA), out of the nearly 10 crores bags used in 2010 for the potato packing in cold storage, about 6 crore were replaced by leno bags. Due to prolonged strike in jute mills during the potato harvesting season in 2010 had triggered large scale use of leno bags in the West Bengal state. Of this 8 crore bags used in 2010 cold storage season, about 3 crore were leno bags with the rest being old gunny bags.

According to Chairman, Indian Jute Mills Association (JMA), jute is losing its traditional market. Unless the industry comes out with cheap substitute, it will be difficult to the jute industry to sustain itself (Commissioner/Jute, Govt. of India, 2010). The reason being, in gunny bags stored potato start decaying after certain point of time due to high moisture absorption nature of the jute.

Also, the market price of a leno bag is about Rs. 2/- less than jute bag, each of which costs about Rs. 10/- (Vice-President, West Bengal Cold storage Association, 2010).

Leno bags : It is a form of weave in which adjacent warps are twisted around consecutively(weft)to form a spiral pair effectively locking each weft in place. The paired warp tapes look like figure “8” down the length of the fabric. A bag made from such fabric is called Leno bag. The prime characteristics of leno bags are good aeration and strength. Lenobags are made either flat or of circular looms.

Types of Leno bags: A wide range of leno bags are available in the market. It includes PP lenobags, monobags, specialty bags such as tubular, circular for customers satisfaction. These bags are highly acknowledged for their quality and reliability.

PP laminated leno bags: These are small bags made out of PP (polypropylene) leno fabrics having lamination on it. This lamination enhances the fancy look and aesthetic appeal. It further gets improved when these lens fabrics are made from tapes of various color combination in both weft and warp direction.

The PP lamination is done using the conventional extrusion coating process. The lamination prevents the loose tap coming out of fabric. Hence, it is easy to fabricate into bags which involves operation like cutting with scissors, stitching in sewing machine, etc. this kind of bag is used to pack agriculture and customers products. These bags can accept loads up to 50 kg.

Monobags : These bags are used for packing of potatoes and vegetables on filling machines. They have soft but strong tape yarns and ideal for packing of various agricultural products.

Tubular Leno bags: It is known for its optimum quality. This type of bags are perfect for fruits such as citrus, etc., and various kinds of vegetables like potato, onion, cabbage, etc.

Raschel bags: These bags are used for packing of potatoes and vegetables on filling machines. They have soft but strong tape yarns and ideal for packing of various agricultural products.

Circular bags: It is made of PE tubular net. These bags are sewed at top and bottom and are available with different types of draw-string with different colors.

Advantages of Leno bags: · Excellent breadth ability, good tensile strength and burst strength.

o Lighter in weight and cost effective compared to jute bags.
o Does not impart odour to packed content, not attacked by fungus/insects and chemicals resistant.
o Environment friendly.
o Better Aesthetics.
o Increase the self-life of the contents.
o Wastage and spoilage are nil.

Advantages over conventional jute bags

o Excellent air permeability (Storage life of onions and potatoes is increased up to 50%).
o Good tensile and burst strength.
o Lighter in weight than jute hence transportation cost will be lower (jute bags of similar capacity are 3 times heavier than leno bags), Cheaper in comparison to jute bags.
o Reusable, however, number of cycles depends upon the material packed storage, handling and other relevant parameters.
o Do not impart any odour to the packed contents.
o Not attacked by fungus, insects and rats.
o Resistant to corrosive chemicals.
o Safe in direct contact with food products and did not cause physical contamination
o Can be reprocessed
o Easy visual inspection of contents packed is possible in leno bags, Jute production is almost stagnant and there is scarcity of the jute bags whereas polypropylene is abundantly available.

Discussion: The plastic industry always wanted to top the potato packaging market. During 2010 jute mill strike in West Bangel gave them this opportunity. The chairman, Indian Jute Mill Association states “The farmer should understand that the jute has been a time-tested packaging material.”

Conclusion: The arrival of leno bags has sounded like the death bell for traditional jute bags.


* Prof N Irabanta Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is Former Professor (Higher Academic grade)/Life Sciences, MU
This article was webcasted on March 07, 2019.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • A brand-new Scientific discovery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • In memoriam of the happiness we shared !
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #5
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Sekmaijin
  • Oh Motherland :: Poem
  • Animal life should be treated with dignity
  • '365 Days of Chin-Kuki Aggression' : Gallery
  • Renaissance of politics in our youth
  • TB & tobacco co-epidemics in Indonesia
  • The Power of Poppy - 29 :: Poem
  • Advanced Charging Infrastructure in NE
  • Lessons learnt in the last one year
  • True colour of politics
  • World Heritage Day @ MU : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Kakwa
  • Joint Combing Operations in Jiribam
  • Reboot PSUs for jobs: Task for new Govt
  • Ayurvedic remedies to keep healthy eyes
  • May 3, 2023 to May 3, 2024
  • One year of crisis, and what next ?
  • Scientist of Manipur: Nongmaithem Rajmuhon
  • Whither social justice & work for women?
  • Taiwan to enhancing economic ties with India
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #2
  • Athoubasingi Numit #2 : Gallery
  • Privilege trap of While Male Meitei
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #4
  • 'Chizami Model' working in Gujarat ?
  • Racing towards the one year mark
  • On misattribution & falsifying history
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #15 :: Book
  • May Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • 12th World Bamboo Congress at Taiwan
  • Complex dance of democracy in Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Pangaltabi
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #1
  • Showing ugly face of muscle power
  • Spare the rod, spoil the monster
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #31: Download
  • Socio-Historical analysis on Ethnic Conflict
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Langmeidong
  • Ngangbam Dipapati- Gold @European Cup
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #3
  • Fresh surge in violence
  • The real culprit
  • National Science Teacher workshop
  • Livelihood Disaster in Mapithel Region
  • Condemns Killing of CRPF Personnel
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Manipur College
  • Huidrom Oliviya: Silver @Cadet European Cup
  • Election: Runner-up may spoil the joy
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laishram Ladu Singh
  • Imphal Ring Road Project to Transform
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #2
  • The Power of Poppy - 28 :: Poem
  • Condemned unabated illegal taxation
  • Watermelon : Super nutritious summer fruit
  • People have spoken, Manipur has voted
  • Skirting around core issues
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #2 : Gallery
  • The Taj Mahal that bans Lovers !
  • Importance of bees !
  • Massive hailstorm in Jiribam
  • The messiah of hapless children
  • Attack on fuel tankers & blasting bridge
  • Blame it on Meetei
  • The Happiness Code : Download
  • NH-2 Bridge bombed @Sapermeina : Gallery
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #1
  • Training Programme under SPARK concluded
  • Why environment control is so difficult
  • 4th Foundation Day- Young Minds Collective
  • All set for second phase poll
  • The Nongsaba phenomenon
  • Khongjom Day @Khebaching #1 : Gallery
  • India's responsibility to end Manipur violence
  • Migrant worker could access TB services only
  • Importance of reading magazines as student
  • SHG pioneering agricultural innovation
  • Nearing the one year mark
  • The enemy within
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #2 : Gallery
  • Workshop @ NSU Manipur : Gallery
  • 15th Manipur State Film Awards 2023
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Panthoibi Shanglen
  • GSDP doubles, health shines
  • Vote has been cast, repoll held
  • Two faces of democracy
  • Laurels for Scientist Ngangkham Nimai
  • Crime against women in Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Sugnu
  • Creativity & innovation for vibrant career
  • 4th Foundation Day of YMC
  • Racing towards one year mark
  • Prophetic words, indeed
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #14 :: Book
  • 174th Anniv Maharaj Narasingh #1 : Gallery
  • Ensuring Fair Voting in Hills of Manipur
  • Dr Irengbam Mohendra's latest book :: Rvw
  • NDA has the advantage in both
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #1 : Gallery
  • L Rup's Robot 'Kangleinganbi' in Manipuri
  • Art- means of connecting hearts in Manipur
  • Is it Living Alive or Living Death ? :: Poem
  • Rabies - A preventable zoonotic disease
  • April 19, 2024: The blackest day of all
  • Ugly turns on voting day
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • The chasm between TB & HIV continues
  • Parliament and its Members
  • Kimchi for health and glowing skin
  • LS election with a difference
  • To vote, or not to vote ?
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Lamjao, Kakching
  • The Power of Poppy - 27 :: Poem
  • Mother Language based education essential
  • Modi's warriors wear regional hats
  • Nest Asia promoting Northeastern Cuisine
  • Now look beyond LS poll
  • The rot in the system
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laitonjam Warjeet
  • Community seed bank @Umathel : Gallery
  • 10 candidates cracked Civil Services Exam
  • Milk of Paradise: History of Opium : Rvw
  • How plastics find their way into our bodies
  • Condemning attack on Trucks along NH-37
  • Cong looking to buck the trend
  • Saving Manipur
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #2
  • Election Duty :: Travellog
  • 1st Nagas' Meet in Punjab
  • How to select right MP to represent Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Tejpur
  • Bats are Keystone species for the Planet
  • The '15 days' conundrum
  • Free but not so fair
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #30: Download
  • Before You Vote : My Rumbling Thoughts
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Kakching
  • Meiraba wins All India Sr tournament
  • Finding light in dark through my daughter
  • Navigating life's unreasonable expectations
  • Test of people's character
  • BJP's election manifesto
  • Athoubasingi Numit #1 : Gallery
  • Black rice & Glycemic Index
  • What Nadda should speak at Dimapur rally
  • Open Letter to CM Office Manipur
  • Meghalaya unveils Strawberry festival
  • Benefits of maths newspapers for students
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #1 : Gallery
  • Are you a good person ?
  • Physics Academy of NE : Executive Body
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Moirang
  • Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin launched
  • Cong on cautious path
  • Botox for Hair
  • Posers voters should raise now
  • The lull before the storm
  • 80th Anniv- Battle of Kanglatongbi @UK
  • Vir Chakra Ngangom Joydutta's bust unveiled
  • Hun - Thadou Cultural Festival : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Singjamei
  • Election Eclipses: Ballad of Battle & Loss
  • Our voices are equal at the ballot box
  • Scientists of Manipur : Ngangkham Nimai
  • Urgent Call for Solidarity in Manipur
  • Meitei Nongsha #2 :: An Artwork
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Waikhong
  • About NPF-BJP-NPP alliance & why ?
  • World Veterinary Day, 2024
  • The heavy stake behind the LS polls
  • The politics of lying & deception
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #1 : Gallery
  • Hun-Thadou Cultural Fest @ Delhi: Report
  • Appeal to Parties & Candidates
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Wangoo
  • Establishment of community seed bank
  • Awareness Programme on new Criminal Laws
  • Make a right choice at the Lok Sabha election
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #1
  • RIST talk-58 : Support systems of elderly
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hiyanglam
  • Vote, do not boycott !
  • Lok Sabha election: A new dawn in politics ?
  • IIT-Guwahati Half Marathon report
  • Taking ST demand to the election ring
  • Lesson to be learnt from across border
  • Mirabai: Poised for Paris Olympics
  • Legal position for protection of environment
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Keisamthong
  • Heterocyclic compound & biochemical science
  • Inner, torn between two lovers
  • Certification Music Therapy Workshop
  • NOTA as a choice
  • Caesar's wife must be above suspicion
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #29: Download
  • World Health Day 2024
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Pangantabi
  • The Power of Poppy - 26 :: Poem
  • Fulbright Fellowship Outreach at Arunachal
  • Id-ul Fitr da namaz nattana..
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #13 :: Book
  • Lok Sabha election is coming, be prepared
  • 6th Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival
  • Let There Be Free & Fair Election
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Lamlong
  • Science magazines are important for student
  • Interesting choice of candidates
  • The power of We, the voters
  • Inspirations from Scientists of Manipur #1
  • The Case for Amendment of Article 371-C
  • Beating of the Retreat #1 : Gallery
  • Kenedy Khuman (Singer) : Gallery
  • Show of strength without unity
  • Yaoshang Pichakari #2 : Gallery
  • Natural packaging from bamboo : Gallery
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba #2 : Gallery
  • Lamta Thangja @ Imphal : Gallery
  • Students @ Class X Exam : Gallery
  • Saroi Khangba @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Protest for scrapping SoO #2 :Gallery
  • Shopping List for Shivaratri : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #1: Gallery
  • Radio E-pao: Manipuri Film OST (130+ song)
  • Save Manipur : Protest [Feb 15] #3 : Gallery
  • Naorem Roshibina- Wushu Medallist : Gallery
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD