PRODUCT SHEET

English Name: Buntal

Scientific Name: None
Local Name: None
not yet
Reference Code:
established
Date Added: 2005-11-08
Buntal fiber Buri palm Buri Petiols

Buntal fiber box

Description
The Buntal fiber is extracted from the petioles of the buri palm by means
of hand pulling or retting. It is most commonly used for hat making as well
as for other utility and fibercraft items, accessories, floor or whisk
brooms and for specialty paper.

Other fibercraft usage includes bags, placemats, attache cases,

penholders, wallpapers and desk organizers. The home furnishings industry
uses buntal for window blinds, screen dividers, decorative pillows, table
accessories and other home lifestyle accessories.

Buri is a slow-growing palm specie that has a very large fan-shaped leaves
which are circular in outline. The inner half part is entire while the
outer part is divided into narrow segments appearing like finger spread
apart. Upon reaching the palm's maturity, invariably 25-40 years, the palm
gradually drops its leaves and develops at the top of its trunk an enormous
terminal shoot, looking like a pyramid of greenish-white flowers.

Extraction
Petioles are harvested by cutting them at the base of the trunk. To
facilitate classification and grading, petioles are cut into three
sections: base, middle & tip.

There are 2 methods of extraction. The first of which is by beating the

exposed part of the petiole with a wooden mallet or club until the fiber
ends separate from the surrounding pulp. The exposed buntal fibers are then
drawn out by hand with a steady pull.

The second method involves scraping the epidermal tissue to expose the
fibers. The fibers are then pulled out by hand from the base. The pulp
adhering to the next layer is scraped until another layer of fiber is
revealed.

The extracted buntal fibers are then cleaned of adhering pulp by passing
the fiber through a bamboo split after which the fibers are dried in the
sun for at least an hour and then hung under a shed for final drying. Fiber
extraction is done in a cool place so as to avoid it becoming brittle,
especially when exposed to hot weather conditions.
Suppliers
ATC Craft Venture
Buhat Novelties
Carmen C. Mendoza Store
Eufemio Rasay Buntal Fiber Dealer
Gabriel's Buricraft & General Merchandise
Golden Sun Ribbon and Lace Center
HM Trading
J. S. Rattan Craft Center
Jeneranda Amy B. Vintero
Julie T. Go Native Store
Kinagunan Women's Association
Miranda's Rattan Supply Co.
Misamis Oriental Multi-Fiber Weavers & Traders Association
My Buri Best
Norma's Native Products
Silver Handicrafts
Teresita Germina
Tubigon Loomweavers Multi-purpose Cooperative
Virginia O. Saludes
Material
Material Palm
Sensorial
Glossiness Matte
Translucence Opaque
Texture Medium
Hardness Soft
Rigidity Flexible
Technical
Fire Resistance Poor
Water Resistance Moderate
Weight Light
Renewable Yes

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