What it is?

Banana is rightly called Kalapata, a likening to an ancient fruit cultivated all over the world.

Bananas are harvested two to four times a year and the stems are usually cut and thrown away as waste. Banana fiber is also a major substitute to the pulp industry. With so many beneficial characteristics, this fiber is gaining popularity in the fashion industry as many renowned clothing lines and fashion designers are embracing fabric made from banana. Moreover, the fiber is eco-friendly and biodegradable compared to other synthetic fibers.

Every part of the banana plant can be used. Banana leaves are used as bio-plates for serving food and the fruit and spadix can be consumed. The innermost part of the stem, also edible, is used for medicinal purposes. This plant has been a source of high quality textiles for ages so banana fiber is not a new discovery but certainly a unique one. The Japanese have been processing banana fibers for almost 800 years so they have achieved expertise in making banana clothing. Nepalese weavers have been making beautiful and luxurious rugs from banana fiber. Currently, banana fiber is widely used as blending material in the textile sector. There’s a high demand for it in countries like United States of America, Malaysia, Korea, European Union and Philippines. Japan’s currency, the Yen, is made out of banana fiber. A proper coordination with manufacturing units and exporting countries needs to be established and there is no doubt that this sector will bring a revolution.