Banana fibers used in textiles are derived from waste products from the food industry. After the bananas have been harvested, the tree stems are cut. The separate sheaths in the stalk are first removed by chopping.
The fibers are removed from the cut stems in a decortication method. The threads are extracted by crushing the stalks with a roller and excess threads and plant tissue are scraped away. The threads are then boiled, washed, dried and carded to be prepared for spinning on a traditional spinning wheel. The threads are wet during spinning in order to avoid breaking.
In the preparation of the banana material there are not used any Azo enzymes or GMO grown banana plants.
The energy and water consumption is minimal, compared to other natural materials.
The fabric is all natural and thus unbleached and undyed.
Banana plants do not require pesticides and fertilizers when grown in tropical climates, and are grown by small farmers who own their own land.
The banana fibers in this material is completely hand-made, from the extraction of fibers to the spinning and weaving of the yarn. Since banana textiles do not involve chemicals in the material extraction process, the fabric is completely biodegradable.
The material is almost 100% carbon neutral.
The banana fabric is created by a small artisan community in Nepal who continue to pass their skills down to younger generations and thus maintain ancient traditions.
- Certifications
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- The banana material is registered by a Nepalese NGO and is WFTO certified.