Abaca Plant

The Abaca plant native to the Philippines originates the Abaca fiber, the source of the “Manila Hemp”, where due to its strength, lightness and water resiliency is believed to be the strongest natural fiber in the world.

Abaca Stalk

The stalk is the source of the Abaca fiber. They are stripped from the stems, where each stalk is cut into sheaths and then down to strips or "Tuxies". The strips are then scraped (either by hand or machine) to remove the pulp, then washed and dried, where it becomes the “fiber”.

Abaca Fiber

The Abaca fibers are used in the production of numerous Philippine handicraft products such as fashion accessories, decorative accessories, furniture, garments, textile and packaging materials to name a few.

Bacbac

Bacbac comes from the soft strips of bark from the trunk of the Abaca plant. Low in tensile strength and not susceptible to penetration of colorants, they are used mainly for basket weaving and handicraft items. Abaca- Bacbac is also known as “Havana hemp” or “Havana skin”.

Lampakanay

Lampakanay is an erect, semi-aquatic or aquatic, perennial herb. The fiber extracted from the Lampakanay plant is a common material for bags and baskets. Ropes and twisted Lampakanay are used for the production of chairs, armchairs, sofas and other occasional furniture. Weaving combinations with Abaca rope are also popular.

Capiz

Capiz shells are marine bivalve common in the Philippine coastal waters, characterized by a large thin flat translucent shell. The shells are white outside and pearly inside and are believed to be stronger than plate glass. Due to its beauty and translucency, they are used in home furnishings and fashion accessories where the Capiz shells are generally considered to be elegant and formal.