Amazonian tururi palm fiber material (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.)

Abstract

Ubuçu (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.) is a palm tree found in the Brazilian territory and throughout South America, mainly in the Amazon Forest biome. Tururi, a sack that protects the fruits and hangs from the branches of Ubuçu, is a vegetal fiber material with great use potential. Ecodesign studies are focusing on new sustainable products and there is a growing demand for the use of biodegradable and sustainable materials. The Ubuçu palm tree and tururi’s characteristics; its collection, processing and traditional employments; its physicochemical properties and new applicability are presented in this chapter. The employment of tururi in traditional and new applications in design and industry is promising. The work with natural fibers involves social implications of major importance to society, such as the strengthening of rural cultures and the possibility of qualified products made from fibers by these communities.