Sisal Fiber Grades Explained: 3L vs UG vs SSUG — Which Grade Do You Need?

If you're looking to buy sisal fiber (sisal fibre) in bulk, understanding fiber grades is crucial for getting the right product at the right price. The grading system — 3L, UG, SSUG, and TOW — determines fiber length, quality, price, and suitability for different industrial applications. This guide explains each grade in detail.

How Is Sisal Fiber Graded?

Sisal fiber grading is based on three primary characteristics:

• Fiber length — the single most important grading criterion
• Color and cleanliness — bright cream-white fibers grade higher
• Moisture content — affects weight, handling, and storage

Grading follows established international quality standards, which align with international trade specifications.

Sisal Fiber 3L Grade (Premium)

Fiber length: 90 cm – 120 cm (longest commercial grade)

3L is the top-tier grade of natural sisal fiber. These long, clean, bright fibers are the result of careful decortication and air-drying. 3L grade commands the highest sisal fiber price and is used in:

• Heavy-duty sisal rope manufacturing
• Premium carpet and rug weaving
• Geotextile production
• Automotive composite reinforcement
• Export-grade twine and yarn

Price range: USD 900–1,400/MT FOB origin port

View Sisal Fiber 3L specifications →

Sisal Fiber UG Grade (Under Grade)

Fiber length: 60 cm – 90 cm

UG (Under Grade) sisal consists of shorter fibers that don't meet 3L length criteria. Despite the name, UG sisal is a commercially valuable product used extensively in:

• Buffing and polishing wheels — the most common industrial use
• Padding and stuffing materials
• Paper pulp production
• Agricultural binding twine
• Dartboard manufacturing

UG grade offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio for applications where extreme fiber length isn't required.

Price range: USD 600–900/MT FOB origin port

View Sisal Fiber UG Grade specifications →

Sisal Fiber SSUG Grade (Super Star Under Grade)

Fiber length: 70 cm – 95 cm

SSUG occupies the quality tier just below premium 3L grade. The fibers are slightly shorter or have minor color variations, but structurally they're nearly identical to 3L. SSUG is popular with:

• Rope manufacturers who need good quality at a lower price point
• Carpet weavers blending with 3L fibers for cost optimization
• Geotextile producers requiring consistent fiber strength

Price range: USD 750–1,100/MT FOB origin port

View Sisal Fiber SSUG Grade specifications →

TOW Grade (Short Fiber / Waste)

Fiber length: Under 60 cm

TOW consists of the shortest sisal fibers, often collected as a byproduct of 3L and UG grading. Despite being the lowest grade, TOW sisal has strong commercial demand for paper pulp manufacturing, insulation material, and biocomposite production.

Price range: USD 300–500/MT FOB origin port

Which Sisal Fiber Grade Should You Buy?

Buy All Sisal Fiber Grades from UPL Global Holdings

UPL Global Holdings is a vertically integrated sisal fiber manufacturer and exporter globally. We produce and supply 3L, UG, SSUG, and TOW grades at competitive wholesale prices with full export documentation and worldwide shipping.

Learn more about our sisal fiber operations or request a price quote for the grade you need.