Jute sector explores advantage of carbon credit

27 Jun '13

5 min read

Transition to a more sustainable bio-based economy, as a political consequence of the Kyoto protocol on global climate change (UN FCC, 1997), includes a shift of feedstock for energy and chemical industries from petrochemical to renewable resources. The use of non-food crops as major source for renewable resources, however, requires careful consideration of the environ-mental impact.

It is a good sign that also industries have by now recognised that the concept of "eco-efficiency" is an important way for businesses to contribute to sustainable development (Lawn 2001). As a major renewable resource lignocellulosic fibres derived from the structural plant tissues will play an important role in this transition.

Jute (Corchorus capsularis & Corcho-rus olitorius), is lignocellulosic, vegetable bast fibre plant next to cotton in importance. Depending on demand, price and climate, the annual production of jute and allied fibres in the world around 3.5 million tons. The fibre finds its use in the producing as well as in consuming countries in the agricultural, industrial, commercial and domestic fields.

Sacking and Hessians (Burlap) constitute the bulk of the manufactured products. Sacking is commonly used as packaging material for various agricultural and industrial commodities. Fine Hessian is used as carpet backing and often made into big bags for packaging other fibres viz. cotton and wool. Diversified uses of jute as technical fiber and in natural fiber composites (NFC) are enormous.

Bangladesh and India produce about 95% of world jute and these two countries are comparatively low CO2 emitting countries. Forestry is one of the three major sectors in which the GHGs can be reduced through CDM mechanism. Jute cultivation could be regarded as a forestation and reforestation. Total area of jute, kenaf and allied fibres cultivation is around 1.5 million hectare.

One hectare of jute plants consumes about 15 MT CO2 and liberates 11 MT of O2 in only 120 days. Whereas, the tropical tree plantations of pine and eucalyptus can sequester an aver-age of 33 MT of CO2 per hectare per year. The total amount of CO2 consumed per year is about 22.5 million tons which is equivalent to 22.5 million CER.

At the rate of 15 Euro/ton of CO2 the total value is 337.5 million Euros, equivalents to 448.9 million USD. Estimated revenue per ha out of jute cultivation is about 299 USD equivalents to 23,322 BDT. However, due to emission of small amount of CH4 at the time of retting a little amount will be deducted.

Jute crops incorporate 5.43 million tons of dry leaves per year to the soil during defoliation stage prior to retting. Through such Green maturing process soil is enriched by an equivalent amount of 168,750 tons of Nitrogen, 56,250 tons of Phosphorous and 150,000 tons of Potassium. Savings of the said Fertilizer cost may be considered as CER revenue to Jute cultivation.

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