Sisal Fiber (UG & SSUG Grades)

Category:

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:

  • UG (Ultra Grade) – Premium long fiber, low impurities, high tensile strength.

  • 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)

text
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:

  • Maersk (direct to Europe & Asia)

  • MSC (competitive rates to Africa & Americas)

  • CMA CGM (via Mombasa transshipment)

  • COSCO (China-dedicated services)

Required Documentation (per shipment)

  • Certificate of Origin (Tanzania Chamber of Commerce)

  • Phytosanitary Certificate (Tanzania Plant Health & Pesticides Authority)

  • Fumigation Certificate (if wooden pallets used – ISPM-15 compliant)

  • Bill of Lading (negotiable or straight)

  • Commercial Invoice & Packing List (detailed bale count)

  • COA (Certificate of Analysis) – per batch

  • 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.