Description
VG Limited supplies high-grade Tanzanian Sisal Fiber – widely recognized as among the strongest and most durable natural fibers in the world. Sourced directly from Tanzania’s prime sisal-growing regions (Tanga, Morogoro, and Kilimanjaro), our fiber is meticulously processed, dried, and hydraulically pressed into uniform bales for maximum container efficiency.
We offer two distinct grades to serve diverse industrial requirements:
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UG (Ultra Grade) – Premium long fiber, low impurities, high tensile strength.
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SSUG (Super Special Ultra Grade) – Top-tier selection, extra-clean, superior brightness, and uniform length.
Tanzanian sisal is renowned for its high cellulose content, excellent mechanical properties, and resistance to saltwater degradation – making it the preferred choice for marine cordage, agricultural twines, pulp reinforcement, and specialty paper industries.
Specifications & Quality Standards
Our sisal fiber complies with international grading standards established by the East African Sisal Association and ISO 1140 for rope and cordage applications.
General Specifications (Both Grades)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fiber Origin | Agave sisalana (Tanzania) |
| Color | UG: Light cream to white / SSUG: Brilliant white |
| Fiber Length | 80 – 120 cm (average 100 cm) |
| Tensile Strength | Min 45 g/tex (dry condition) |
| Moisture Content | 10% – 12% (export standard) |
| Impurities (Trash/Vegetation) | UG: Max 2% / SSUG: Max 1% |
| Dust Content | UG: Max 1.5% / SSUG: Max 0.5% |
| Extractives (Alcohol-Benzene) | Max 1.8% |
| Cellulose Content | 65% – 70% |
Grade Comparison Table
| Characteristic | UG (Ultra Grade) | SSUG (Super Special Ultra Grade) |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Agricultural twine, general cordage, geotextiles | High-grade marine ropes, polishing cloths, specialty paper |
| Fiber Uniformity | Good | Excellent |
| Brightness Rating | Standard | Premium (bleached appearance) |
| Oil Absorption | Good | Superior |
| Target Industries | Agriculture, construction, erosion control | Marine, automotive composites, high-end textiles |
Available Packaging (International Export Standard)
All fiber is processed and baled at VG Limited’s contracted facilities in Tanzania to ensure consistency and container-friendliness.
| Packaging Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bale Type | Hydraulically pressed, double-wrapped with polypropylene straps |
| Bale Weight | 100 kg net (approx.) |
| Bale Dimensions (Approx.) | 100 cm (L) x 45 cm (W) x 45 cm (H) |
| Wrapping | 2 layers: inner polythene sheet + outer woven polypropylene bag |
| Strapping | 4 x horizontal PP straps + 2 x vertical for stability |
| Labeling | Water-resistant label with: Grade (UG/SSUG), Bale No., Net Wt., Origin (Tanzania) |
International Shipping Container Specifications
Tanzania’s main export ports for sisal are Dar es Salaam and Tanga. VG Limited coordinates directly with these ports for streamlined loading.
20FT Standard Container (20’FCL)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bales per Container | 140 bales |
| Total Net Weight | 14 metric tons (14,000 kg) |
| Total Gross Weight (approx.) | 14,700 kg (including bale wrap & pallets if used) |
| Container Internal Volume Utilization | ~95% (efficient stacking achieved via hydraulic baling) |
| Stacking Pattern | 7 layers x 20 bales per layer (or custom palletized layout) |
| Palletization | Optional (standard Euro or 1m x 1.2m treated timber pallets) |
40FT Standard Container (40’FCL)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bales per Container | 280 bales |
| Total Net Weight | 28 metric tons (28,000 kg) |
| Total Gross Weight (approx.) | 29,400 kg |
| Container Internal Volume Utilization | ~96% |
| Stacking Pattern | 14 layers x 20 bales per layer |
Container Loading Diagram (20FT Reference)
Front of Container (Door end) ============================= [ 20 bales ] Layer 7 (top) [ 20 bales ] Layer 6 [ 20 bales ] Layer 5 [ 20 bales ] Layer 4 [ 20 bales ] Layer 3 [ 20 bales ] Layer 2 [ 20 bales ] Layer 1 (bottom) ============================= Rear of Container (Bulkhead) Total: 7 layers x 20 bales = 140 bales
Important: Fiber bales are compressed to ISO container door height (approx. 2.28m) to allow direct forklift loading without repackaging.
Logistics & Port Information
Port of Loading (POL)
| Port | Location | Transit Time to Major Hubs (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam Port | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | 20 days to Rotterdam / 25 days to Shanghai / 18 days to Jebel Ali |
| Tanga Port | Tanga, Tanzania | 22 days to Rotterdam / 28 days to Shanghai (suitable for smaller vessels) |
Preferred POL: Dar es Salaam (deepwater port, frequent liner services)
Shipping Line Partners
VG Limited works with:
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Maersk (direct to Europe & Asia)
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MSC (competitive rates to Africa & Americas)
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CMA CGM (via Mombasa transshipment)
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COSCO (China-dedicated services)
Required Documentation (per shipment)
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Certificate of Origin (Tanzania Chamber of Commerce)
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Phytosanitary Certificate (Tanzania Plant Health & Pesticides Authority)
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Fumigation Certificate (if wooden pallets used – ISPM-15 compliant)
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Bill of Lading (negotiable or straight)
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Commercial Invoice & Packing List (detailed bale count)
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COA (Certificate of Analysis) – per batch
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Form AK-1 (EAC preferential trade – for African buyers)
Industrial Applications by Grade
UG (Ultra Grade) – Ideal for:
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Binder twine, baler twine, netting |
| Construction | Wall reinforcement, plastering fibers |
| Erosion Control | Geotextile mats, silt fences |
| General Cordage | Low-to-medium strength ropes |
SSUG (Super Special Ultra Grade) – Ideal for:
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Marine | Mooring ropes, fishing nets (saltwater resistant) |
| Automotive | Brake pad reinforcement, composite fillers |
| Polishing & Buffing | Industrial polishing cloths (low abrasion) |
| Specialty Paper | Currency paper, tea bags, filter paper |
| High-end Cordage | Yacht ropes, climbing ropes (blended with synthetics) |
Why Source Sisal Fiber from VG Limited?
| Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Tanzania Origin | World’s second-largest sisal producer after Brazil – consistent quality |
| Dual Grade Offering | UG for cost-sensitive bulk applications / SSUG for premium exports |
| Hydraulic Baling | 100kg uniform bales – easy handling & accurate container math |
| Direct Mill Contracts | No middlemen – competitive FOB Dar es Salaam pricing |
| Quality Control | Third-party inspection available (SGS, Bureau Veritas) at buyer’s request |
| Container Optimization | 14 MT per 20FT or 28 MT per 40FT – no wasted space |
| Eco-Friendly | 100% natural, biodegradable, renewable resource |
Sustainability Note
Tanzanian sisal cultivation requires minimal irrigation, no chemical fertilizers, and prevents soil erosion on semi-arid land. VG Limited supports rain-fed, smallholder farming cooperatives. Every bale is traceable to its region of origin.


