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Sisal as a Carpet Fiber
What is Sisal?
Sisal is an extremely rugged natural fiber obtained from the long, knife-shaped leaves of the agave plant. One of the most important agricultural products of the world’s tropical regions is sisal fiber. Although the plant is indigenous to the Americas, over half the sisal produced in the world now comes from East Africa. It is generally agreed that the world’s highest quality sisal- the longest, finest, and whitest fiber-- comes from the plantations of east Africa. After processing, Merida’s African Sisal is shipped to Belgium where it is dyed and spun using Merida’s exclusive Katani Bora sisal yarn spinning system, then woven into broadloom on modern power looms. Sisal’s enormous versatility enables us to produce a range of woven floor covering designs with distinctive weave patterns, bold yarn textures and a wide selection of colors. The inherent qualities of this tough, hard-wearing fiber results in sisal rugs that are naturally sound absorbing, anti-static, and extremely durable.
Where does sisal come from?
One of the most important agricultural products of the world's tropical regions, sisal fiber comes from the agave plant. Agave (Century plant or American aloe) is indigenous to Central America and the southernmost part of North America, where its cultivation began on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. East Africa's plantations, in Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique, now produce the most sisal, including most of Merida Meridian's (with the balance of their sisal coming from Brazil.)
What does it look like?
Agave sisalana is a squat plant with long, knife-shaped leaves that form a rosette close to the ground. These fleshy, rigid leaves, from 
which the sisal fiber is derived, are usually grayish-green to dark green. The fiber within is coarse, long and extremely strong. Shiny and attractive, its color is usually creamy white to a pale yellow, but some sisal can have a reddish cast.
How is it produced?
The process of separating the fibers from the leaves is an arduous one. First the leaves are crushed and scraped, then the fiber is washed, in many places by machine. Next the fiber is graded and sorted, then either hung in the sun to dry or put into a drying machine. Then the fibers are beaten or brushed to soften and separate them and to remove any traces of leaf tissue. There is a 95% loss in weight from the beginning to the end of this process. One hundred pounds of leaves yields only five pounds of sisal fiber.
The world's highest quality sisal - the longest, finest, and whitest fiber - comes from the plantations of east Africa. After processing, Merida's African sisal is shipped to Belgium where it is dyed, spun using the specialized Katani Bora sisal yarn spinning system, then woven into broadloom on modern power looms.
Is it a good fiber for floors?
Sisal is a strong, stable and versatile material that can be woven into boucles and rib weaves, flat weaves, and jacquard patterns and many dyed colors. It can be a little rough underfoot, but less so when combined with other fibers such as wool. Sisal carpets are naturally sound-absorbing, anti-static, and extremely durable because of the inherent qualities of this tough, hard-wearing fiber. It is also naturally insulating and difficult to ignite. Like most plant fibers, however, sisal absorbs moisture readily, therefore we recommend that these materials be used only indoors, in dry areas of a home or office.
Does sisal vary in
quality?
Yes! Quality is begins with the selection of the fibers. Sisal plants produce long, green leaves that grow to as much as six feet in length and six inches wide, and weigh up to two pounds each. Fibers are extracted from these leaves by crushing and scraping away the green pulp, leaving the fibers behind. Ideally, only clean, white fibers with a long staple length should be used for carpets. When dyed, these fibers produce colors that are more vibrant and even throughout the product. After dyeing, the fibers are carefully spun to form a tight, rugged yarn with fewer “slubs” (thick and thin areas), and clipped to remove coarse, hairy ends.
How should I care for it?
As with all natural fiber floor coverings, regular vacuuming of the surface is important. Blot spills immediately with a clean towel and continue to blot until most of the liquid is removed. Complete the drying process with a hair dryer or a commercial product designed to absorb moisture. Never steam clean or wet shampoo your sisal carpet.
Thanks to Jennie Wood of Merida Meridian for this information.
