Seed Fibres

Seed fibres are natural cellulosic fibres obtained from the seed pods or seed hairs of plants, with cotton (Gossypium spp.) representing over 90% of global seed fibre production at 25–26 million tonnes annually. Other seed fibres include kapok (Ceiba pentandra), coir (Cocos nucifera), and milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). Cotton fibre length ranges from 10 mm (short staple) to 60 mm (extra-long staple), fineness from 2.5 to 4.5 micronaire, and tenacity from 25–45 cN/tex. Seed fibres are composed of 88–96% cellulose, 1–4% wax, 1–2% protein, and 0–1% pectin depending on species and processing. Global seed fibre market is valued at $42 billion, dominated by cotton textile and apparel supply chains.