Currently, the industry that produces the most waste globally is the food one. Specifically, the banana growing industry produces large amounts of organic waste, with only the 12% of the plant being used (the fruit), while the rest is discarded after harvest. Therefore, a textile use for this enormous amount of biomaterial, that would otherwise end up being burnt or sent to landfills, is the perfect fit to create cross-industry responsibility synergies.

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The fiber used to develop PYRATEX® element II is created as an answer to this problem. Sourced from agriwaste from the banana food industry, it gives a new life to the discarded banana stalk, from which the fibers are mechanically extracted and then knotted into a yarn. The fiber has an overall low impact on the environment, and unlike other textile fibers, the banana plant does not need any re-fertilization of the soil, and can grow on the same spot year after year. It also needs little water, and requires no fertilizers or pesticides in order to grow. By using banana agriwaste, local farmers have been able to obtain an additional income, and increase employment in their communities.

 

Banana fibers have enhanced tensile strength and modulus, low density, strong moisture absorption quality, good fire resistance quality, light weight, and low elongation at break.

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