Kenaf, still fairly new to international trade, is used mainly for cordage, canvas, and sacking but is receiving increased consideration for other products, such as newsprint and carpet-backing yarn.
Touchardia latifolia (olona) was formerly an important fibre plant of Hawaii, used for cloth, cordage, and especially fishnets because of its durability in water.
Numerous industrial end uses exist for polypropylene fibre as well, including rope and cordage, disposable nonwoven fabrics for diapers and medical applications, and nonwoven fabrics for ground stabilization and reinforcement in construction and road paving.
Paper, often of the highest quality, as well as cordage, can be made from the bark of many genera, including Edgeworthia, Daphne, and Gnidia.
Kenaf was unknown in the West until late in the 18th century, when cordage and sacking made from the fibre were brought to Europe.
Sisal fibre is especially valued for cordage use because of its strength, durability, ability to stretch, affinity for certain dyestuffs, and resistance to deterioration in salt water.
Gourds and cotton were also grown, the gourds for use as containers and net floats, the cotton for twined fabric and cordage.
Nylon can be drawn, cast, or extruded through spinnerets from a melt or solution to form fibres, filaments, bristles, or sheets to be manufactured into yarn, fabric, and cordage; and it can be formed into molded products.
Rigging, the sails, masts, booms, yards, stays, and lines of a sailing vessel, or its cordage only.
