The fibre extraction process, this is virtually the same for all vegetal fibres. Given that within this umbrella each region and raw material may require different processes, it happens broadly like this :
1. The leaves are beaten and crushed by rotating wheels with blunt knives to separate the softer cellulose fibres from the outer skins. The waste can be used as biofuel and work is underway to make this an automatic by-product
2. Water baths or running water often the fibres, and help with further separation.
3. The cellulose fibres are then dried–either traditionally in the sun, or commercially in hot air drying room
4. The fibres are cleaned, brushed and neatly baled up for weaving or other uses–such as twisting into ropes.