Product: Tampico / Mexican Origin: Mexico Description: Obtained from the plant agave lecheguilla the fibre product is known as Mexican fibre in Europe and Tampico in the USA. Uses: The fibre obtained from the plant is one of the most useful fibres employed in the brush industry, as it can be dyed to resemble bristle or bleached to make it white. It can be bent and punched without breaking, making it ideal for machine made brushes. It is also useful for brushes which require a good resistance to water, since the fibre does not rot. Grades Packing Unit Shipment Unit Natural white double drawn Mexican fibre, cut sizes per 25 kg carton 20 / 40 ft container Natural white Mexican fibre, in tails uncut per 25 kg carton 20 / 40 ft container Production Details: The commercial fibre is taken from the spindle-shaped central leaves forming the bud or "cogolla" of the agave plant. So long as the cogolla is regularly cut and flowering prevented, the fibre can be harvested for up to six years before the plant dies. The extraction of the fibre is done by hand and involves the leaves being scraped with a knife to remove the fibre. The fibre is then cleaned by being beaten with a stick and combed through. This cleaned fibre is tied in small bundles and finally baled. Contact: Matthew Ralph