The sisal fibre is extracted from the long, sword-shaped leaves of the sisal and has traditionally been used in ropes and strings. The fibre is durable, stain resistant and sound insulating – so it’s excellent to weave rugs with. But it’s not just the fibre that is useful, the sisal has an extensive root system that can help limit soil erosion, and what’s left of the leaves can be used for bioenergy, fertilisers and animal feed.