Ramie has been mentioned in ancient Chinese texts and found in ancient Egypt. And now we’re relearning about this plant that has the potential to make a dent in the plastic industry.

Ramie is a tough-to-harvest fibre, and not well known outside of China, but its strength and silky feel gives it a place at the table to replace fossil fuel fibres. Fashion, beauty, home furnishings and fishing equipment – that last one especially – are some places where ramie could have its greatest impact.