The Use of Jute Sack as a Potential Material for Fashion Accessories in Ghana
| dc.contributor.author | OCRAN, AUGUSTINA | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-03-03T11:29:20Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-03-03T11:29:20Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2020-08 | |
| dc.description | A Project Report Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Philosophy | |
| dc.description.abstract | In view of the global concern for the environment, jute being natural and eco-friendly has the potential to be used for the production of numerous items in place of other materials that cause harm to humans and the environment at large. Jute is less used in the Ghanaian fashion industry though much is seen in the fashion industry of other countries. The fine textured jute material is expensive and not common in the Ghanaian market. On the other hand, jute sacks are cheaper, available in the market and have some qualities similar to materials for the production of fashion accessories. However, its roughness to skin and limitation in colour and texture deter its usage in the fashion industry. Hence, the aim of this research is to enhance jute sack through various colouring methods and surface treatment to promote its usage in the production of fashion accessories in Ghana. The research idea focused on identifying and analysing the characteristics and types of jute sacks appropriate for fashion accessories. Various colouring techniques such as screen-printing, batik, tie-dye, konkonte resist and spraying with the auto base paint were explored on the identified jute sacks to enhance its aesthetic appeal and usage. The enhanced jute sacks were used to produce five bags for various purposes such as shopping, dressing, travelling, backpack and briefcase to ascertain its effectiveness and usage. The researcher employed the qualitative research method coupled with the descriptive and exploratory designs and adopted observation and semi-structured interview to help draw meaningful analysis and conclusion for the success of the research. The population of the study was limited to jute sack sellers, jute sack users, fashion accessory producers and fashion accessory users in the Ashanti Region specifically Alabar, Adum, Asafo, Ayigya, Central Market and Aboabo, all in Kumasi. The research revealed that the application of the selected surface treatment and colouration techniques on the jute sacks with less stains, dirt and compact weave structure yielded a unique aesthetic value to the original colour of the jute sack. This study will encourage fashion accessory producers to use the enhanced jute sacks to produce interesting accessories thereby improving on their products and also to expand its usage in other fields. Government and other stakeholders should help in the revival of the jute factory in Ghana so that jute cultivated in some parts of the northern Ghana for food and the stalks used for ropes, mats, hats and other domestic purposes can as well be processed into sacks in Ghana. This will create employment and eradicate the cost of importing the jute sacks into the country | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | KNUST | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/17637 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | KNUST | |
| dc.title | The Use of Jute Sack as a Potential Material for Fashion Accessories in Ghana | |
| dc.type | Thesis |