Usage Guide | Jute bag
You have just purchased 100% natural jute bags and want to make sure you pack coffee, cocoa, rice, beans or spices in accordance with the international standard for each product. This guide covers the 6 available capacities, explains which load corresponds to each format, how to close the hemmed mouth with twine and how to store the bags so the jute does not get damp or tear before use.
Product specifications
The jute bag is made from natural Corchorus capsularis / olitorius fiber, 100% biodegradable, treated with vegetable oil (VOT) suitable for food contact. The mouth comes hemmed ready for twine, with Herakle + safety stitch seams on the sides and bottom. Imported from Bangladesh and India under international standards.
| Capacity | Dimensions | SKU | Packaging | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22.68 kg (50 lb) | 50 × 80 cm (20 × 31 in) | 850005 | Pack of 50 bags | Spices, seeds, small flours |
| 45.36 kg (100 lb) | 57 × 94 cm (22 × 37 in) | 850008 | Pack of 25 bags | Rice, beans, corn (B-Twill) |
| 56.7 kg (125 lb) | 58 × 96 cm (23 × 38 in) | 850020 | Pack of 25 bags | Heavy grains, copra |
| 60 kg (132 lb) | 71 × 102 cm (28 × 40 in) | 850012 | Pack of 25 bags | Green coffee for export (Barahona / ICO) |
| 65 kg (143 lb) | 70 × 100 cm (28 × 40 in) | 850014 | Pack of 25 bags | Cocoa beans (ICCO / FCC) |
| 90.72 kg (200 lb) | 68 × 112 cm (27 × 44 in) | 850016 | Pack of 10 bags | Heavy cereals in bulk (A-Twill / DW) |
Step by step on how to use it
The procedure applies to all capacities. The key difference between variants is the product that goes inside: the 60 and 65 kg formats are standardized for green coffee and cocoa for export; the others are used according to the table above. The filling and closing method is identical across the 6 variants.
Check the variant according to the product to be packed
If you are going to export, choose the standardized format: 60 kg for green coffee (Barahona / ICO standard) and 65 kg for cocoa beans (ICCO / FCC). For the local grain market, the 100 lb is the most versatile option. Do not use non-standardized formats for export: the buyer at destination may reject the lot.
- If you have the 50 lb variant: ideal for bulk spices, seeds, small-format flours. Distribution in the local market.
- If you have the 100 lb variant: the general-purpose format for rice, beans, corn and flours for the Dominican market. B-Twill weave.
- If you have the 125 lb variant: heavy grains, copra and bulk loads where a robust packaging is required.
- If you have the 60 kg variant: exclusively for green coffee for export. Barahona / ICO standard. Do not use for other products if it is going to an international destination.
- If you have the 65 kg variant: exclusively for cocoa beans for export. ICCO / FCC food-grade standard. For EU destination, request the MOSH/MOAH report.
- If you have the 200 lb variant: heavy cereals and bulk grains in large volumes. Reinforced A-Twill or DW weave.
Condition the bag before filling
Shake the inverted bag to remove residual jute dust. Check that the hemmed mouth is complete and that the twine passes freely through the hem tunnel. If the bag has been stored for a while, let it air out for a few minutes so it regains flexibility.
Fill by weight using a nozzle or funnel
Place the bag under the filling funnel or on a scale with a nozzle. Fill to the nominal weight of the variant (not an estimate by volume) leaving 8–12 cm free at the mouth for the closure. Shake gently at half load to settle the grain.
For green coffee and cocoa, controlling the moisture of the product before packing is critical. Standard export green coffee travels at between 10 and 12% moisture; cocoa beans between 7 and 8%. Packing product above those values generates mold inside the bag even if the jute is dry and well stored.
Close the hemmed mouth with twine
Pull the two ends of the twine to gather the mouth as tightly as possible. Tie with a double flat knot. For export shipment, reinforce with a pass of hand Herakle stitching over the closed hem: it guarantees that the twine does not loosen in the container.
Stack on a pallet in a pyramid
Stack in a pyramid pattern (layers alternated at 90°) on a clean, dry pallet. Keep the maximum height at 5 layers for 60–65 kg bags and 4 layers for the 100–200 lb ones. Cover the pallet with a breathable tarp or stretch netting to protect against moisture without sealing the jute.
Do not cover the jute pallet with closed stretch film. Jute needs to breathe; an airtight film accumulates condensation and ruins the lot with mold in a few days. Always use stretch netting or leave the pallet unwrapped under cover.
Complementary products
To maintain the breathability of the jute during storage and palletized transport, stretch netting is the only compatible wrapping. The portable sewing machine is useful if you need to reinforce the closure seam for long shipments.
For products that do not require jute (in-house consumption, debris, dry materials for the local market), the polypropylene raffia bag from the Bags category is more economical and performs better against moisture. Reserve jute for export and for products that require natural, biodegradable packaging.
Maintenance and care
Unused packs are stored in a dry, ventilated place, on a pallet (never on cement or soil), away from direct sunlight and rodents. Jute is 100% biodegradable and, without the right conditions, can attract moisture and degrade before use. Visually inspect each pack before packing: discard bags with dark stains, a moldy smell or brittle fibers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use the jute bag to ship cocoa to the European Union?
Yes, the 65 kg variant meets the ICCO / FCC food-grade standard applicable to cocoa beans. For EU destination, also request the MOSH/MOAH report per lot in accordance with the Eurococoa / Joint Cocoa Research Fund specification of February 2026 (MOSH ≤ 250 mg/kg, MOAH ≤ 25 mg/kg). Indicate it when placing the order so the bag ships with the report ready.
What is the difference between jute and PP raffia for packing rice?
For the local market, the PP raffia bag performs better against moisture and is usually more economical. Jute adds value when the end buyer requires it (premium market, export, products with a designation of origin) or when the packaging must be 100% biodegradable as a customer requirement. Functionally, both transport rice safely.
How long does a jute bag last in storage without being used?
Under the right conditions (dry, ventilated place, on a pallet, away from sunlight and rodents) jute bags can be stored for between 12 and 24 months without losing their properties. In a humid environment or exposed to the sun, the service life is drastically reduced: the jute absorbs moisture, the fibers become brittle and dark stains appear. Always inspect before packing.