5.3.10.1 Textiles and Woven Household Materials

Most indigenous areas of Africa and Asia have been using OPL petioles for weav­ing mats, baskets, fans, hats, sacks, carrier bags, etc. Due to lack of technical know­how and capital cost of producing these materials in commercial quantities, their potential uses have been nipped in the bud.

Also, useful cord or rope is made by rolling OPL into strands which are further used to tie thick bands of items. The OPL strands are again useful in making nets for transporting cargo and forage. Net for catching fish is also made traditionally from OPL. OPW fibres are also used to stuff mattresses, sofa, etc.