What is Abaca? Abaca is a relative of the banana plant that grows in hot, humid climates. One of the main producers of abaca is the Philippines, which is why the plant has been mistakenly called Manila hemp. Unlike banana plants, however, which are valued for their fruit, abaca’s primary benefit is in its long leaf sheaths, which grow to be 12 to 20 feet high. All parts of the stalk—from the outer dark layer to the inner most layers—can be extracted, stripped and processed. Abaca fiber has been used for centuries to make strong, breathable textiles that are comfortable to wear and long lasting. Abaca is popular for clothing, hats, shoes and slippers. In the Philippines there are at least 150 different traditional weaves. Abaca Plays a Key Role in Many Industries Abaca plays a key role in more than a dozen industries, including automobile, cosmetics, decorating, fashion, food, maritime, medical, packaging, paint, paper, pet products and even construction because it is many times ligh...