The Brazilian Amazon region is beginning to reinstate itself in production of plant fibers, benefitting from campaigns against plastics. Mallow (Malva sylvestris), a native species, and jute (Corchorus capsularis), originally from Asia, provided jobs for more than 60,000 families living along rivers in the region, producing 95,000 tons of fiber in 1981.

But as the use of petrochemical products expanded, and with little support for the sector, now just 15,000 families are involved.

The “incipient” recovery shows great potential, but incentive policies are needed through the whole chain of production, said José Alberto, professor at the Federal University of Amazonas.

Another Amazon species, the curauá (Ananas erectifolius, related to the pineapple), produces a tough fiber that can replace glass and other industrial materials. It is a permanent, land-based crop and easily processed, Imar Araujo, of the Amazonia Biotechnology Center, told Tierramérica.