Sisal Fibre Grades Explained: 3L vs UG vs SSUG — Which Grade Do You Need?
If you're looking to buy sisal fibre in bulk, understanding fibre grades is crucial for getting the right product at the right price. The grading system — 3L, UG, SSUG, and TOW — determines fibre length, quality, price, and suitability for different industrial applications. This guide explains each grade in detail.
How Is Sisal Fibre Graded?
Sisal fibre grading is based on three primary characteristics:
- Fibre length — the single most important grading criterion
- Colour and cleanliness — bright cream-white fibres grade higher
- Moisture content — affects weight, handling, and storage
Grading follows established international quality standards, which align with international trade specifications.
Sisal Fibre 3L Grade (Premium)
Fibre length: 90 cm – 120 cm (longest commercial grade)
3L is the top-tier grade of natural sisal fibre. These long, clean, bright fibres are the result of careful decortication and air-drying. 3L grade commands the highest sisal fibre 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 Fibre 3L specifications →
Sisal Fibre UG Grade (Under Grade)
Fibre length: 60 cm – 90 cm
UG (Under Grade) sisal consists of shorter fibres 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 fibre length isn't required.
Price range: USD 600–900/MT FOB origin port
View Sisal Fibre UG Grade specifications →
Sisal Fibre SSUG Grade (Super Star Under Grade)
Fibre length: 70 cm – 95 cm
SSUG occupies the quality tier just below premium 3L grade. The fibres are slightly shorter or have minor colour 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 fibres for cost optimisation
- Geotextile producers requiring consistent fibre strength
Price range: USD 750–1,100/MT FOB origin port
View Sisal Fibre SSUG Grade specifications →
TOW Grade (Short Fibre / Waste)
Fibre length: Under 60 cm
TOW consists of the shortest sisal fibres, 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 Fibre Grade Should You Buy?
| Application | Recommended Grade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy-duty rope | 3L | Maximum length and strength |
| Carpet weaving | 3L or SSUG | Long, uniform fibres reduce loose ends |
| Polishing wheels | UG | Lower cost, ideal stiffness |
| Twine & binding | UG or SSUG | Good strength at economical price |
| Paper pulp | TOW | Lowest cost, high cellulose content |
Buy All Sisal Fibre Grades from UPL Global Holdings
UPL Global Holdings is a vertically integrated sisal fibre 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 fibre operations or request a price quote for the grade you need.
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