P.O.P Sisal Fibre

SSUG and UG Sisal Fibre (POP Fillers): Properties and Uses

Sisal fibre, locally known as POP fillers or POP fillars, extracted from the Agave sisalana plant, is a durable, eco-friendly natural fibre with applications across multiple industries. Among its various grades, SSUG (Sub-Standard Under Grade) and UG (Under Grade) pop fillers are widely traded, particularly in East Africa.

What Makes Sisal Fibre (POP Fillers) Unique?

POP fillers are obtained through decortication, a process where sisal leaves are crushed to separate the fibres from the pulp. The fibres are then dried, brushed, and graded based on quality, length, and cleanliness. Sisal is biodegradable, resistant to wear, and has excellent tensile strength, making it a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibres.

Grades like UG and SSUG are categorized based on fibre length, color, and impurity levels, with UG being a higher-quality export-grade fibre and SSUG suited for more industrial uses.

Key Characteristics of UG and SSUG POP Fillers

UG (Under Grade) POP Fillers

• Appearance: Creamy white to natural white, with minimal imperfections
• Fibre Length: Typically 90-130 cm (some sources indicate 60 cm minimum)
• Moisture Content: 6%-13%
• Impurity Level: 0%-3%
• Strength: Tensile strength of ≥880 N
• Diameter: 0.2-0.4 mm

SSUG (Sub-Standard Under Grade) POP Fillers

• Appearance: Yellowish to darker shades, with slightly more imperfections
• Fibre Length: 60-120 cm (generally shorter than UG)
• Moisture Content: 9%-11%
• Impurity Level: 2%-3%
• Strength: Comparable to UG (≥880 N)
• Diameter: Around 0.35 mm

Both grades are packed in 100 kg or 250 kg bales, with shipping containers holding 14-28 metric tons depending on size.

Production and Sourcing

East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, is a major producer of high-quality POP fillers. The production process involves:

1. Harvesting mature sisal leaves (after 2-3 years of growth)
2. Decortication (crushing and washing to extract fibres)
3. Drying, brushing, and grading before baling for export

Centralized processing ensures consistent quality, making East African sisal preferred in global markets.

Applications of UG and SSUG POP Fillers

UG POP Fillers Uses

• Ropes & Twines: High-strength ropes for agriculture, shipping, and fishing
• Textiles & Carpets: Soft yet durable fibres for rugs and mats
• Paper & Pulp: Used in specialty papers like tea bags and cigarette filters
• Construction: Reinforcement in gypsum boards, plaster, and composites

SSUG POP Fillers Uses

• Industrial Ropes: General-purpose cordage for construction and transport
• Building Materials: Insulation, geo-textiles, and cement reinforcement
• Polishing Buffs & Doormats: Coarse texture ideal for scrubbing and heavy-duty mats
• Agricultural Twines: Affordable and strong for farming needs

Why Choose POP Fillers?

• Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and sustainably produced
• Durable: Resistant to wear, moisture, and alkali
• Versatile: Used in textiles, construction, automotive, and more

Future of POP Fillers

With increasing demand for sustainable materials, POP fillers are gaining traction in industries replacing synthetic alternatives. Innovations in processing and hybrid sisal varieties are further enhancing its applications.