The fiber is also exceptionally strong, stronger than hemp and naturally salt-resistant, making it ideal for making twines and ropes (especially for maritime shipping). It became a major trade commodity in the colonial era for this reason. The abaca industry declined sharply in the mid-20th century when abaca plantations were decimated by World War II and plant diseases, as well as the invention of nylon in the 1930s. Today, abaca is mostly used in a variety of specialized paper products including tea bags, filter paper and banknotes. Manila envelopes and Manila paper derive their name from this fiber.
The fiber is also exceptionally strong stronger than hemp and naturally salt-resistant making it ideal for making twines and ropes (especially for maritime shipping) It became a major trade commodity in the colonial era for this reason The abaca industry declined sharply in the mid-20th century when abaca plantations were decimated by World War II and plant diseases as well as the invention of nylon in the 1930s Today abaca is mostly used in a variety of specialized paper products including tea bags filter paper and banknotes Manila envelopes and Manila paper derive their name from this fiber