Eco-Friendly Alternatives: A Review of the Banana Fiber Resurgence in the Textile Industry

Banana fiber, a natural and sustainable material, has been utilized for centuries, with origins tracing back to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, where it was first used as early as the 13th century. This fiber, which originates from the pseudo stem of the banana plant, is highly regarded for being environmentally beneficial because it comes from a renewable source that has no effect on the environment. In the textile sector, banana fiber presents a competitive, environmentally friendly substitute for traditional cotton, whose intensive agriculture methods have serious negative impacts on the environment. India, the world's largest banana producer, generates substantial pseudo stem biomass, which can be effectively utilized to produce banana fiber. The paper reviews the potential of banana fiber as a key player in the shift towards more sustainable textile practices, given its rich history and environmental benefits. The review also explores several projects focused on banana fiber applications, identifies major industry players, and evaluates the varied spectrum of products created, emphasizing banana fiber's expanding importance in sustainable textile techniques.