Standardization of Chemical Degumming and Biodegumming of Ramie Fiber Processing for Natural Fiber Supply Chain Strategy as A Source of Textile Raw Materials in Indonesia

Abstract

Ramie’s natural fiber industry (Boehmeria nivea) has the potential to be able to supply natural cellulose raw materials to meet the demands of the textile industry. A potential consideration in manufacturing ramie-based products is the need for an integrated set of processes to operate efficiently along the supply chain. A strategy in maintaining the supply chain in manufacturing ramie fiber is based on standardization of the upstream production process starting from the ramie cultivation system and processing raw fiber resulting from the decortication process. Raw fiber is processed by standardized procedures, either chemical degumming or biodegumming, using enzymatic activity produced from microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The purpose of this research is to provide a standardized production line for the manufacture of ramie raw fiber. The study reports on a number of issues, including: supply of ramie fiber, degumming process include biological dan chemical degumming methods which has been used as a production process for small-scale industrial in Indonesia. The recommendation must be tested with data from manufacturing companies in the ramie industry to develop it as a standardized ramie industrial product model in Indonesia.