Foreword Publisher's Note Introduction A Brief History of the Abaca The Abaca Plant The Integrated Uses of the Different Parts of the Abaca Plant The Abaca Fiber The Abaca Seed The Abaca Fiber Material Conversion Process Extraction Process of Abaca Fibers Abaca Fiber to Fabric Handloom Process Powerloom Process Abaca Fiber to Pulp Abaca Fiber to Handicrafts Abaca as Cordage, Ropes and Twines Abaca as Fibercrafts Fashion Accessories Bags Hats Footwear Decorative Accessories Votives and Candle Holders Picture Frames Utility Boxes, Storage Bins and Baskets Dolls Throw Pillows Vases Lamps and Lighting Wall Organizers Art Collages Floor Coverings Wall Coverings Draperies Table Top Accessories Bowls and Containers Food Covers Table Runners and Placemats Creative Packaging Playthings for Pets Sports Paraphernalia Christmas Decor Abaca as Furniture and Fixtures Abaca as Garments Abaca Shawls Abaca as Textiles Abaca Enzymes for Cosmetics and Skin Care Products Abaca as Pulp and Specialty Papers Abaca Handmade Paper Invitations, Greeting Cards, Menu Calendars, Parchment Paper for Certificates Abaca as Restoration Paper for Historic Materials Silkscreen Prints and Paintings over Handmade Abaca Paper Abaca as Banknotes and Security Paper Abaca as Food-Grade Material Meat Casings Tea Bags Coffee Filters Abaca as a Strengthening Material for paper-based products Shopping Bags Packaging Tapes Operating Room Caps Cigarette Papers Surgical Masks Tissue Papers Abaca for Industrial Uses Global Trends and Prospects of Abaca Useful Addresses Index References Acknowledgements 7 9 13 19 25 30 30 34 43 44 48 48 49 51 53 55 61 63 64 71 73 77 78 80 81 92 94 96 102 105 106 108 110 113 115 116 123 125 131 149 155 161 167 197 229 233 243 247 250 252 253 254 256 258 260 260 261 261 262 262 262 263 263 263 263 265 273 281 283 289 293