LIKHA Abaca Placemats

Elevate your tablespace with the organic beauty of our Natural Placemats, handwoven from durable and sustainable abaca fiber. This set of two adds texture and warmth to any dining setting, whether you're hosting a special gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home. These placemats are ethically made and designed in collaboration with artisans from the Bicol Region of the Philippines, certified by the NEST Guild and verified by the Fair Trade Federation. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted following traditional craftsmanship deeply rooted in Philippine culture and passed down through generations, giving each basket a distinct, personal touch. It is made sustainably with 100% Manila hemp (Abaca) Fiber, which is sourced from the leaf stems of the Abaca Plant. Native to the Philippines, this plant has been cultivated for centuries and is renowned for its exceptional qualities, including buoyancy, high porosity, impressive tensile and folding strength, and resistance to saltwater damage. Abaca fiber is even regarded as one of the strongest natural fibers in the world! Since the fiber is harvested from the leaf stems, it can be collected up to three times a year without the need for replanting, making it a renewable resource, reducing the risk of deforestation and absorbing a significant amount of CO2 throughout its lifecycle. It also assists in erosion control and biodiversity rehabilitation. The Philippines, as the leading global exporter of abaca, accounts for 86% of the world's abaca fiber production. The plant is cultivated mainly on small farms, providing livelihood to as many as 90,000 farmers, including indigenous ones. By purchasing this basket, you are supporting local artisans in the Philippines, particularly in rural areas, providing them with livelihood and fair wages while honoring their dignity as skilled craftspeople and preserving traditional crafts, techniques and knowledge. Since each piece is handwoven, please expect slight variation in design, color, shape, and size.