Fibres from Ornamental Crops: An Alternative to Commercial Fibres

Abstract

The use of plant fibres in industrial applications has traditionally been dominated by fibres from staple crops such as cotton, hemp, and jute. However, the potential of ornamental crops as sources of fibrous materials has garnered increasing interest due to their unique structural properties, sustainability, and ecological benefits. This review comprehensively explores the fibres derived from various ornamental species, including orchids, palms, grasses and woody shrubs, and evaluates their extraction methods, physical and chemical properties, and potential applications. Ornamental plants, often cultivated for their aesthetic appeal, possess fibres that can be utilized in a range of industries, from textiles and handcrafts to eco-friendly packaging and bio-composites. The fibres extracted from these crops are often strong, elastic and biodegradable, offering an alternative to synthetic fibres and conventional natural fibres. Despite the promising characteristics of ornamental fibres, challenges related to large-scale cultivation, fibre extraction, and processing remain a barrier to their widespread use. This review highlights the growing body of research on ornamental crop fibres, discussing key species, such as orchids and palms, and providing insight into their sustainability, commercial potential, and contribution to a circular economy. The review also examines the environmental and economic benefits of utilizing ornamental plants for fibre production, proposing strategies to overcome existing limitations and encouraging further exploration of these underutilized resources. By emphasizing the potential of ornamental crops as viable fibre sources, this paper aims to contribute to the development of sustainable materials and to inspire future research in the field of natural fibres.