We present 15 of the world’s major plant fibres and animal fibres. They range from cotton, which dominates world fibre production, to specialty fibres such as cashmere or coir.

Natural fibers production, processing and export are vital to the economies of many developing countries and the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers and low-wage workers.

Natural fibers have intrinsic properties – mechanical strength, low weight and low cost – that have made them particularly attractive to many industries.

Natural Fibres are a renewable resource par excellence. Natural fibres are carbon neutral, as they absorb the same amount of carbon dioxide they produce.