Bananatex, the first fabric made from banana plants
Discover the plant-based innovation changing the game for sustainable fashion and beyond.
What is Bananatex?
Bananatex® is the world's first durable fabric made entirely from the Abacá banana plants.
Here's a look inside their creation:
Launched in 2018, QWSTION, a Swiss bag brand, developed Bananatex.
Additional contributors to the development are a yarn specialist and a weaver, recognized innovators in materials based in Taiwan.
It took many years to develop and produce the process behind the fabric.
The materials are cultivated in the Philippines and are grown within a natural ecosystem.
Bananatex was created with the ambitious goal of making a positive impact on the future of our planet.
To learn more about the process, the creators have made an award-winning short documentary on the creation of Bananatex.
What are the benefits of Bananatex?
Bananatex can be used to replace fabrics that are detrimental to our environment, particularly synthetic fabrics, such as viscose or rayon.
Despite their soft and breathable qualities, the potential negative impacts of rayon and viscose on human health and the environment, highlight the importance of considering alternative, more sustainable materials in the fashion and textile industry.
In comparison, cotton is a crop with a substantial water footprint. As water scarcity becomes a growing global concern, there is increasing attention to developing more water-efficient materials for textiles.
Reasons why Bananatex is giving other fabrics a run for their money:
Bananatex is a sustainable alternative to our current fabric options
The Abacá banana plant is self-sufficient and grows without pesticides, fertilizer, or excessive water.
These sustainable qualities allow Bananatex to contribute to reforestation in previously eroded areas.
By supporting the Abacá plant's natural ecosystem, Bananatex sustains biodiversity and ensures the prosperity of its farmers.
Bananatex is soft, strong, and durable.
The fabric is produced naturally and is not dyed.
When natural wax is applied to the material, Bananatex becomes waterproof.
It took three years of research and development to create this new material. What is the impact? Its creators believe the fabric can support the environment, the economy, and social sustainability.
How can Bananatex reduce waste?
Banana plants shed their leaves as they grow, and at plantations at commercial levels, these leaves create a large amount of waste. While shedding banana leaves is a natural process, proper waste management practices must be employed to minimize adverse environmental impacts.
Here is why Bananatex repurposing that waste is exemplary:
The fabric does not use any natural resources such as trees or water.
Bananatex supports a regenerative economy that operates in harmony with nature.
The business impacts regenerate and heal the planet.
Bananatex supports a sustainable economy, supporting human life and well-being.
This fabric is circularly sourced.
This circular fabric was created with its end of life in mind, allowing it to break down and not be attributed to the more significant collective waste problem.
Which brands are using Bananatex?
The best part of Bananatex is that big names in fashion use it.
That's right, your fashion designer may have already created a sustainable product with the world's first banana fabric.
Which brands developed products with Bananatex?
Stella McCartney launched its first-ever bag with Bananatex.
The Autumn 2023 collection boasts a vegan Logo tote embroidered with the brand's iconic print.
MCM Worldwide, a well-known luxury lifestyle goods and fashion house, utilized Bananatex® to create a bucket hat, giving streetwear a sustainable spin.
H&M's kidswear collection features Bananatex®. Designer Marcella Liunic uses colorful creatures, plants, and flower prints to spread a playful look with a positive footprint.
Bananatex has proven to be a circular alternative to the synthetic fabrics that have flooded the fashion market.
Who else believes in them? Well, the company has won a plethora of international sustainability and design awards.
Here's a look at the long list:
The Green Product Award 2019
The Design Prize Switzerland Award 2019/20
The German Sustainability Award Design 2021
Bananatex fabric is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold, an advanced global standard for safe products that are circular and responsibly made.
These awards have supported Bananatex's commitment to the environment and overall mission to create a better, cleaner world for future generations.
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Key Points
Bananatex® is the world's first durable fabric from the Abacá banana plants.
Launched in 2018
Developed by QWSTION, a Swiss bag brand.
Bananatex was created with the ambitious goal of making a positive impact on the future of our planet.
Bananatex is a sustainable alternative to our current fabrics
The Abacá banana plant is self-sufficient and grows without pesticides, fertilizer, or excessive water.
These sustainable qualities allow Bananatex® to contribute to reforestation in previously eroded areas.
The materials are cultivated in the Philippines and are grown within a natural ecosystem.
By supporting the Abacá plant's natural ecosystem, Bananatex® sustains biodiversity and ensures the prosperity of its farmers.
Banana plants shed their leaves as they grow, and at plantations at commercial levels, these leaves create a large amount of waste.
While shedding banana leaves is a natural process, proper waste management practices must be employed to minimize adverse environmental impacts.
The fabric does not use any natural resources such as trees or water.
This circular fabric was created with its end of life in mind, allowing it to break down and not be attributed to the more significant collective waste problem.
Bananatex supports a regenerative economy that operates in harmony with nature.
Bananatex supports a sustainable economy, supporting human life and well-being.
