Research and development by reputed organizations in India, have led to the strengthening of the natural attributes of jute. With technological support coupled with government's developmental efforts, the golden fiber, today, has entered into a varied range of applications generating employment, contributing to sustainable human development and leading to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Intensive R & D efforts through various research institutes mainly funded by Government of India have resulted in remarkable breakthrough in product diversification. Prominent Products are:

• Hydro carbon-free Jute Products for packing food grade products like cocoa, coffee, shelled nuts etc.

• Major R & D works in DREF Spinning System.

• Production of jute blended yarns with jute as the major component-using Jute/Viscose, Jute/Acrylic, and Jute/Cotton--jute content varying from 60 to 70% by weight. Such yarns suitable for blankets, shawls, pullovers and as also thick dress materials.

• Production of fine blended yarns using Jute/Cotton, Jute/Silk, Jute/Wool etc. for apparel use Jute Content is 30-40%.

Jute based fabrics used particularly in areas of furnishing, upholstery, carpets, blankets and other home textiles. R & D Institutions have developed Jute Reinforced Composites in the form of flexible, semi rigid sheet and rigid board to substitute wood, timber, and plywood.

UNDP jute program has also facilitated diversification of jute sector by developing new technology, promotion of employment opportunities by encouraging new entrepreneurs to set up production units and development of indigenous machine manufacturing sector. Some of the on-going projects are use of jute for paper production; jute based needle-punched carpets, development of multi-component yarn from wool, jute and other fibers for floor coverings blankets and knitwear.


Diversification
In order to enable jute-based products to make successful inroad into the textiles sector, jute has been largely experimented with. In view of challenge faced from cheaper prices of synthetic substitutes, more thrust has been given on diversification of jute products.

Major thrust areas of value-added diversified jute products include Jute Handlooms and Handicrafts, Non-woven and Industrial Application, Jute Rigid Packaging, Decorative products and Geo-Jute etc.