Geotextile from natural fibres for civil engineering and construction
Zwartz produces geotextile from natural fibres for diverse applications in infrastructure, construction and landscape architecture. Since 1835, high-quality fabrics made from jute, hemp, linen and TENCEL™ have been manufactured in our own weaving mill in the Netherlands. These natural geotextiles are fully biodegradable and offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.
Our own production capacity in the Netherlands enables us to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to the technical and ecological requirements of each project.
What is natural geotextile?
Function
Geotextile is fabric used in civil engineering, road construction and hydraulic engineering. It fulfils various functions, such as ground stabilisation, separation of different layers, silt and sediment management, drainage solutions, flood defence and erosion control. Geotextile is also widely used in horticulture and landscape architecture.
Material
Natural geotextile is made from renewable materials such as yarns spun from jute, linen, hemp and TENCEL™ fibres. These materials break down naturally in the soil, without leaving harmful residues such as micro- or nanoplastics. This occurs under normal conditions, not only during industrial composting.
Applications of natural geotextile
Natural geotextile from Zwartz is used in diverse projects requiring stabilisation, drainage or erosion control. The materials are particularly suited to situations where a temporary solution is desired that breaks down naturally. Some specific applications:
Pratical applications
Temporary roads: For constructing temporary access roads at building sites or event venues, jute geotextile provides stabilisation without requiring later removal.
Dike and erosion protection: In dike reinforcement, the fabric protects the ground against erosion and biodegrades over time. This is also applied in bank protection and hydraulic engineering projects.
Green spaces and ground cover: In horticulture and landscape architecture, natural geotextile is used as ground cover that suppresses weed growth, retains moisture and protects the soil. It is also suitable for root protection mats.
Infrastructure and road construction: For ground stabilisation and separation of different soil layers in temporary or permanent infrastructure projects.
Various grades for different projects
The requirements for geotextile differ per project. Zwartz has therefore developed various grades, ranging from very light, open leno-weave constructions from 30 g/m² to heavy woven natural materials up to 950 g/m². The fabrics are available up to 535 cm wide, though production in custom widths is also possible, depending on client requirements.
By selecting the appropriate weave construction, we can ensure the end product has the properties most suited to the application. A loose weave structure, for instance, provides better ventilation, suitable for ground cover or root protection mats. Tightly woven jute offers extra protection for transport covers or temporary barriers at construction sites.
Jute is a practical choice for projects where material strength, cost-efficiency and sustainability come together. The fabric and finish of the textile can be precisely tailored to the application.
Geotextile producer in the Netherlands
What distinguishes Zwartz as a geotextile producer is nearly two centuries of experience in processing natural fibres. Since 1835, high-quality fabrics have been produced from jute, linen, hemp and other natural materials. All stages – from yarn to finished fabric – are managed under one roof at our weaving mill in the Netherlands.
This local production provides direct control over quality, specifications and delivery times. Short communication lines enable swift responses where needed. Thanks to our own production, the jute geotextile does not carry the typical import odour often associated with overseas storage and shipping. This makes it more suitable for applications where neutral odour is important.
Subtantial stock
Zwartz maintains substantial geotextile stock. This enables working according to just-in-time principles, with materials delivered when required. This keeps work sites organised and eliminates the need to store large quantities of material for weeks. For construction sites, this means no excess material cluttering the terrain. The combination of ample stock and local production in the Netherlands enables delivery at short notice.
Working with a local producer also helps avoid surprises. International imports can lead to delays or damaged goods, with little control over solutions. By choosing a Dutch geotextile producer like Zwartz, the process remains transparent and manageable – with adjustments handled quickly and directly.
Sustainable and responsible
Jute is a renewable resource that grows quickly and requires minimal water and pesticides. Production places less burden on the environment than most synthetic alternatives. The woven fabric is fully biodegradable and leaves no microplastics behind.
Production in the Netherlands runs entirely on self-generated green electricity from our solar roof. This contributes to a low CO₂ footprint for the geotextile. Local production also keeps transport distances limited, further reducing total environmental impact.
Working with Zwartz: bespoke solutions and rapid delivery
Thanks to our own production in the Netherlands, Zwartz can respond quickly to specific requirements in collaboration with clients. Fabrics are developed or adapted based on the technical and ecological demands of the project. We deliver in various weave constructions, finishes and colours.
Alongside bespoke production, substantial stock of standard materials is maintained, enabling swift delivery – even with tight deadlines. Clients value the short communication lines, reliable planning and flexibility in adapting products to diverse technical requirements.
Contact or quotation request
For enquiries about geotextile, technical specifications or bespoke projects, please contact us directly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between natural and synthetic geotextile?
Natural geotextile is made from biodegradable materials such as jute, linen, hemp and TENCEL™. Synthetic geotextile consists of plastics such as polypropylene or polyester. Natural textile breaks down completely in the soil, without leaving harmful residues.
What applications is natural geotextile suitable for?
Natural geotextile is used for temporary roads, dike and erosion protection, green spaces, ground cover and landscape architecture. It is particularly suited to situations where a temporary solution is desired that breaks down naturally.
Is natural geotextile as strong as synthetic geotextile?
Strength varies by grade. At Zwartz, we produce diverse variants, from light, open constructions to heavy woven fabrics with high tensile strength. For many applications, a suitable, strong natural option is available.
Does natural geotextile break down naturally?
Yes, Zwartz geotextiles are fully biodegradable under natural conditions. This means they break down without leaving harmful substances behind.
Can Zwartz develop bespoke geotextile?
Yes, thanks to our own production in the Netherlands, we can respond quickly to specific requirements in collaboration with clients. Fabrics are developed or adapted based on the technical and ecological demands of the project.
