Jute is used very largely for cheap commodities such as
sacks, bags and wrappings. Where necessary, and the extra cost is warranted, it
is possible to bleach jute goods through various shades of pale cream up to
pure white and also to incorporate ‘optical bleaching’ (i.e. colorless dyestuff
which fluoresce a vivid white in daylight).
Dyestuff of various types, as used for cotton, may also be
applied to jute. The fiber has a special affinity for basic dyes, which provide
brilliant effects even on unbleached base. Unfortunately, these effects are not
very fast either to light or to water. Acid, direct and sulphur dyes are
increasingly fast in this order, but also give increasing dullness of shade-
all at reasonable cost. This increased demand for rugs, mats and carpets has
stimulated a corresponding demand for dyed jute yarns and fabric suitable for
these applications. Very bright and fast result are obtained with azoic and vat
dyes, but their high cost limits their use with jute. The tendency for jute to
turn brown in sunlight is a permanent disadvantage in better quality
applications.