Bangladesh has placed jute at the centre of climate discussions at the 31st Conference of Parties (COP31), hosting a session at its Jute Pavilion in the Green Zone in Antalya, Türkiye, on Tuesday.
Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles and Jute and industry partners, the event highlighted how a fibre deeply rooted in Bangladesh's heritage could make a significant contribution to global climate action.
Jute, known as the “golden fibre,” is carbon-negative in cultivation and fully biodegradable. Presenters said one hectare could absorb up to 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide in a growing season, with soil carbon gains continuing even after harvest, according the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Its uses now go well beyond hessian and sacks, extending to biodegradable shopping bags, geotextiles for erosion control and coastal protection, automotive composites, and advanced materials such as nanocellulose. Jute sticks, once discarded, are converted into charcoal and activated carbon.
The economic case is equally prominent. Raw jute at about US$ 1,200 per tonne can earn $ 2,400-2,500 as packaging and $ 4,000-5,000 as blended fibre goods.
Under its 2026-2031 strategy, Bangladesh aims to double jute export earnings to $ 1.64 billion and lift the share of value-added products from around 45 percent to 70 percent. Solar-powered, carbon-neutral jute mills were cited as proof that traditional industry can lead on clean energy.
Looking ahead, officials pointed to nanocellulose research, accredited testing laboratories, digital traceability and compliance with emerging EU environmental rules as priorities, alongside South-South and North-South partnerships.
Bangladesh linked jute directly to COP31 themes: mitigation, plastic pollution and circularity, adaptation, and a just transition that lets developing countries industrialise without locking into high-carbon pathways.
Buyers, investors and technology partners are invited to visit the Bangladesh Jute Pavilion in the Green Zone throughout the conference.