Hemp vs. Jute — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on July 13, 2024
Hemp is a versatile plant used for textiles, oils, and ropes, originating from the Cannabis plant, while jute is a long, soft fiber from the Corchorus plant, primarily used for making burlap and twine.
Difference Between Hemp and Jute
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Key Differences
Hemp and jute are both natural fibers derived from plants, known for their usability in various applications. Hemp comes from the Cannabis sativa plant and has been used for millennia due to its strength and durability. On the other hand, jute is obtained from the Corchorus plant, typically found in tropical regions, especially in places like India and Bangladesh.
Hemp has a wide range of uses spanning textiles, building materials, oils, and even foods. Its fibers are longer, stronger, and more absorbent, making it ideal for fabrics and ropes. Jute, with its golden and silky shine, is often termed the "golden fiber". Its primary use is in the production of burlap, ropes, and twines because of its biodegradable properties.
From an environmental perspective, both hemp and jute are eco-friendly options. Hemp grows rapidly, requires minimal pesticides, and even aids in soil rejuvenation. Jute, being rain-fed with little need for fertilizers or pesticides, is sustainable and has a low carbon footprint. Furthermore, jute plants help in improving soil fertility for future crops.
Historically, hemp has seen varied legal regulations due to its association with the psychoactive forms of Cannabis. However, industrial hemp contains negligible THC (the psychoactive compound). Jute, meanwhile, has no such restrictions and has been a significant export product, especially for countries like Bangladesh.
Both fibers, hemp and jute, continue to be relevant in the modern world due to their natural origins and sustainability. As the global community moves towards eco-friendly products, the importance of materials like hemp and jute is only bound to increase.
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Comparison Chart
Origin Plant
Cannabis sativa plant
Corchorus plant
Primary Uses
Textiles, building materials, oils, foods
Burlap, ropes, twines
Fiber Characteristics
Longer, stronger, and more absorbent fibers
Soft, long, and shiny golden fibers
Environmental Impact
Eco-friendly, helps in soil rejuvenation, minimal pesticides required
Rain-fed, low carbon footprint, sustainable
Historical Context
Varied legal regulations due to its Cannabis origin; negligible THC in industrial hemp
Significant export product; no restrictions
Compare with Definitions
Hemp
A fiber obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant.
Hemp clothing is known for its durability.
Jute
A long, soft, and shiny golden fiber from the Corchorus plant.
Jute bags have a rustic and natural appeal.
Hemp
An eco-friendly alternative for paper and fabrics.
The hemp-based paper was both strong and sustainable.
Jute
Known for its biodegradability and eco-friendliness.
They opted for jute decorations for the eco-friendly event.
Hemp
A plant source for non-psychoactive CBD oil.
She uses hemp oil for its potential health benefits.
Jute
Primarily used in making burlap and ropes.
The jute rug gave the room an earthy touch.
Hemp
A nutrient-rich seed for consumption.
Hemp seeds are often added to smoothies for extra protein.
Jute
Often termed the "golden fiber" due to its appearance.
The jute curtains, with their golden hue, brightened the room.
Hemp
Hemp, or industrial hemp, is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for industrial use. It can be used to make a wide range of products.
Jute
An essential export product for countries like Bangladesh.
The jute industry plays a significant role in the country's economy.
Hemp
The cannabis plant, especially when grown for fibre.
Jute
Jute is a long, soft, shiny bast fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. It is produced from flowering plants in the genus Corchorus, which is in the mallow family Malvaceae.
Hemp
Cannabis.
Jute
A member of a Germanic people that (according to Bede) joined the Angles and Saxons in invading Britain in the 5th century, settling in a region including Kent and the Isle of Wight. They may have come from Jutland.
Hemp
The tough, coarse fiber of the cannabis plant, used to make cordage, yarn, and fabric.
Jute
A member of a Germanic people who invaded Britain in the fifth and sixth centuries AD and settled in the south and southeast and on the Isle of Wight.
Hemp
Any of various plants similar to cannabis, especially one yielding a similar fiber.
Jute
Either of two Asian plants (Corchorus capsularis or C. olitorius) yielding a fiber used for sacking and cordage.
Hemp
The fiber of such a plant.
Jute
The fiber obtained from these plants.
Hemp
A tall annual herb, Cannabis sativa, native to Asia.
Jute
The coarse, strong fiber of the East Indian plants, Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis, used to make mats, paper, gunny cloth etc.
Hemp
Various products of this plant, including fibres and the drug cannabis.
Jute
The plants from which this fibre is obtained.
Hemp
The gallows.
Jute
The coarse, strong fiber of the East Indian Corchorus olitorius, and Corchorus capsularis; also, the plant itself. The fiber is much used for making mats, gunny cloth, cordage, hangings, paper, etc.
Hemp
A plant of the genus Cannabis (Cannabis sativa), the fibrous skin or bark of which is used for making cloth and cordage. The name is also applied to various other plants yielding fiber.
Jute
A plant fiber used in making rope or sacks
Hemp
The fiber of the skin or rind of the plant, prepared for spinning. The name has also been extended to various fibers resembling the true hemp.
Jute
A member of a Germanic people who conquered England and merged with the Angles and Saxons to become Anglo-Saxons
Hemp
A plant fiber
Hemp
Any plant of the genus Cannabis; a coarse bushy annual with palmate leaves and clusters of small green flowers; yields tough fibers and narcotic drugs
Hemp
A rope that is used by a hangman to execute persons who have been condemned to death by hanging
Hemp
Used in textiles, ropes, and building materials.
The hemp rope held strong during the storm.
Common Curiosities
Are hemp and marijuana the same?
No, while both come from the Cannabis sativa plant, hemp has negligible THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
Which fiber, hemp or jute, is more durable?
Hemp fibers are generally stronger and more durable than jute fibers.
Why is jute called the "golden fiber"?
Jute has a natural golden and silky shine, leading to its nickname.
What's the primary region for jute production?
Tropical regions, especially India and Bangladesh, are major producers of jute.
Are both hemp and jute biodegradable?
Yes, both fibers are natural and biodegradable.
Can hemp be used for food?
Yes, hemp seeds are nutrient-rich and can be consumed.
What's the primary use for jute in the textile industry?
Jute is mainly used for making burlap, ropes, and twines.
Can hemp be used in construction?
Yes, hemp can be used in building materials like hempcrete.
Is jute used in carpets?
Yes, jute is often used in making carpets and rugs due to its soft texture.
Why is hemp seen as an eco-friendly crop?
Hemp grows rapidly, requires minimal pesticides, and aids in soil rejuvenation.
Is hemp cultivation legal everywhere?
The legality of hemp cultivation varies by country, often distinguished by its THC content.
How does jute benefit the environment?
Jute is rain-fed, requires minimal fertilizers or pesticides, and is fully biodegradable.
Can you extract oil from hemp?
Yes, hemp seeds can be pressed to extract hemp oil, which has various uses.
Can hemp fibers be blended with other materials?
Yes, hemp fibers can be blended with other fibers like cotton for varied textile products.
Are jute products expensive?
Generally, jute products are cost-effective, but prices can vary based on quality and design.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
