The Abaca PlantThe abaca plant, whose scientific name is Musa Textilis Nee, belongs to the family of Musaceae. It is indigenous to the Philippines but has been introduced to Borneo, Indonesia and Central and South Americas. The Philippines is the world's largest source and supplier of abaca fiber for cordage and pulp for specialty paper. While abaca fiber has been used in the cordage manufacture for many years now, fiber for pulp in specialty paper manufacture came into commercial use only in the 1930's.
In the Philippines, there are 3 regions which produce abaca in commercial quantity. These are Mindanao, Visayas and the Bicol regions. Each of these regions supply different varieties and hybrids. Although each variety has certain advantageous qualities, not a single variety can be considered perfect. We at PSPI purchase fiber raw materials from different sources depending on the quality specifications of its customers. |