1.4 Techno Market Survey Findings
1.4.1 End-users’ preference (HDPE/PP Woven Sacks Vs Jute Bags)
1.4.1.1 About 12 major end-users of HDPE/PP Woven sacks and jute bags were contacted during the field survey, and comprised of:
i) Fertilizer manufacturers
ii) Cement manufacturers
iii) Sugar manufacturers
iv) Organization dealing in Food grains etc.
1.4.1.2 The major findings of the survey are summarized below:
i) The present share of jute bags in various end-user segment are
- Fertilizers (other urea) 30%
- Cement 40%
- Foodgrains, oilseeds and sugar 100%
- Urea 100%
ii) Jute bags are suitable for packaging of food products but the bags presently in use are excessively strong, bulky and costly, thereby making packaging expensive.
iii) Almost all manufacturers of fertilizers and cement contacted during the survey have indicated preference for HDPE/PP Woven sacks over jute bags primarily due to the following reasons:
They are cheaper in cost
They offer better packaging properties i.e. better appeal, higher resistance towards moisture and insects, lower material seepage and pilferage, lower cost of transportation, etc.
1.5 Technological Options for the Indian Jute Industry
1.5.1 In order to face the challenge from HDPE/PP woven sacks, various technological options available to the Indian Jute bags manufacturers are:
i) Production or improved and modified jute bags i.e. light weight all jute bags, polyjute bags etc. which have lower price and offer better packaging properties when compared to conventional jute bags.
ii) Installation of new machines based on modern techniques for jute yarn spinning and fabric weaving which have higher production rates, lower cost of production of jute bags, etc. i.e. twistless spinning, OE rotor spinning, etc.
iii) Production diversification i.e. manufacture of:
- Water, rot and fire proof jute fabrics
- Jute blended yarns
- Jute Geo textiles
- Jute reinforced plastic laminated sheets etc. Back
