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 SoutheastAsia, particularly the Philippines, where it was first used as early as the 13th century. This fiber, which originates from thepseudo stem of the banana plant, is highly regarded for being environmentally beneficial because it comes from a renewablesource that has no effect on the environment. In the textile sector, banana fiber presents a competitive, environmentallyfriendly substitute for traditional cotton, whose intensive agriculture methods have serious negative impacts on theenvironment. India, the world's largest banana producer, generates substantial pseudo stem biomass, which can beeffectively utilized to produce banana fiber. The paper reviews the potential of banana fiber as a key player in the shifttowards more sustainable textile practices, given its rich history and environmental benefits. The review also exploresseveral projects focused on banana fiber applications, identifies major industry players, and evaluates the varied spectrumof products created, emphasizing banana fiber's expanding importance in sustainable textile techniques.