Potential of Brown Cotton Fiber Development for Sustainable Textile Materials

Abstract

The use of brown cotton fiber to meet fiber raw materials needs to be supported, because chemicals used for colouring in textile industry contributes to high pollution in the environment. The program for assembling brown cotton fiber varieties in Indonesia has begun in 2006. In 2018 three new superior varieties of brown cotton fiber were released, namely Bronesia 1, Bronesia 2 and Bronesia 3. This paper discusses the potential of brown cotton fiber as a textile raw material in Indonesia. The brown cotton fiber of Bronesia variety has the potential to produce 1011 kg/ha cotton fiber. Cotton fiber of Bronesia has fiber lengths ranging from 23-25 mm and has fiber strength between 21-23 g/tex. The uniformity fiber of brown cotton Bronesia is included in the high category, ranging from 83 - 84%. The brown cotton fiber of Bronesia has three color gradations, namely medium brown, light brown and dark brown. The brown cotton fiber of Bronesia has resistance to pest infestations, and can grow well on dry land. The brown cotton fiber of Bronesia has the potential to be used in the textile industry, especially the traditional weaving industry, therefore, it can support the sustainable textile industry. The purpose of this review is to discuss the opportunities for the use of brown cotton fibers from Bronesia varieties in supporting the Indonesian textile industry.