Whether in the form of bags, sneakers or even furniture, Bananatex® is revolutionizing the world of sustainable fabrics. In just a few years, it has managed to capture the attention of the fashion industry. The reason? Bananatex is not just a fabric, it is a symbol of what is possible when sustainability drives innovation.
So, what exactly is Bananatex, and why is it creating such a buzz? Let’s dive in!
Key takeaways
- Bananatex is the world’s first durable, waterproof fabric made entirely from the Abacá banana plant. It was launched in 2018 by Swiss brand QWSTION.
- The fabric is biodegradable, requires no pesticides or extra water, and helps reforestation in the Philippines, providing local farmers with a sustainable income.
- Bananatex is strong, tear-resistant, and waterproof, making it ideal for products like bags, outerwear, and even furniture. Brands like Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, and QWSTION have used it.
- Bananatex highlights how nature-driven innovation can create sustainable products, offering a promising alternative to synthetic fabrics in the fashion industry.
What is Bananatex?
First launched in October 2018, Bananatex is the world’s first durable, waterproof fabric made entirely from the Abacá banana plant. Yes, your read that right – banana! Although not the kind you snack on. Unlike conventional banana plants, the Abacá plant is primarily cultivated for its strong fibers rather than its fruit. This plant is abundant, with multiple stalks harvested annually. It fully regenerates within a year and even better, it is sturdy and self-sufficient, which means it does not need pesticides, fertilizers or extra water to thrive.
The Origins of Bananatex
Bananatex was developed by the Swiss brand QWSTION (a company known for its commitment to creating sustainable, durable and functional products) in collaboration with a yarn specialist and a weaving partner, both based in Taiwan. According to its creators, the journey began with a desire to find an alternative to the synthetic materials that dominate the market, which are often petroleum-based and contribute to environmental degradation.
Although Bananatex is a recent innovation, the use of the Abacá plant fibers is anything but new! These fibers have been traditionally used in the Philippines for centuries to create ropes, twine, and other robust materials. Today, with the arrival of Bananatex, these fibers are being used to create a revolutionary textile that is not only sustainable but also incredibly versatile.
Bananatex’s properties that make it a Game-Changer
Biodegradable
Bananatex is a vegan, next-gen material that adheres to Cradle to Cradle (the most advanced standard globally for products that are safe, circular and responsibly made) and biodegrades in both industrial composts and marine environments. Unlike synthetic fabrics like polyester, which can take hundreds of years to break down, Bananatex decomposes naturally without leaving harmful residues.
Ethically Sourced
The Abacá plants used to produce Bananatex are grown organically in the Philippines. As mentioned, Abacá is sturdy and self-sufficient, which means that it doesn’t need pesticides or extra water to grow. These qualities have allowed it to contribute to reforestation in areas of former Philippine jungle that were eroded by soil damage due to monocultural palm plantations.
The plant has several stalks and regenerates fully within a year. Once the stalks are harvested, the Abacá plant’s leaves naturally decompose, creating an all-natural fertiliser. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances the economic prosperity of local farmers by providing them with a stable and sustainable source of income.
Minimal Environmental Impact:
Bananatex is produced in a closed-loop system, where every step of the process is designed to minimize waste and energy consumption. Once the Abacá fibers have been transformed into yarn in a Taiwanese paper mill, the yarn is coloured using the yarn dying method. This method is more sustainable than the typical roll dying alternative and certified to the highest standard (Oeko-Tex Standard 100). Not all fibers are dyed, the Natural White colorway for example, reflects the actual color of the fibers and is not dyed.
The entire process, from harvesting the Abacá fibers to weaving the final fabric, is carefully managed to ensure that it aligns with the highest standards of sustainability .
Durable and Functional
Durability is a key ingredient of sustainability, the more durable a garment is, the less we need to consume. Bananatex excels in this area, offering a fabric that is strong, tear-resistant, and waterproof. And to top it all off, it comes in three weights: lightweight, mediumweight and heavyweight. These qualities make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from bags, backpacks and outerwear to furniture!
Which brands are using Bananatex?
Bananatex offers a versatile range of fabrics that truly showcase the amazing qualities of this material. So it is no surprise that brands are choosing it for their products. Here are three brands that are using Bananatex in their collections:
Balenciaga: The iconic Triple S Sneaker, first introduced in 2017, features a Bananatex upper and is available in natural white and all black.
Stella McCartney: Stella McCartney’s Autumn 2023 collection featured its first-ever bag crafted from banana plants– a vegan Logo tote, embroidered with the brand’s Fungi Forest toile de Jouy print.
QWSTION: This one doesn’t come as a surprise as QWSTION is the brand involved in the creation of Bananatex itself. QWSTION has been making bags and everyday goods from plants instead of plastic since 2008 and its collection includes many items made from Bananatex, like the Roll Pack, the Daypack and the Travel Pack.
Final thoughts: Yes, yes, and yes!
As more consumers and brands prioritize sustainability, materials like Bananatex are likely to play a significant role in the future of fashion. Although it’s not a cheap material, its unique combination of durability, biodegradability, and ethical production makes it a smart alternative to traditional fabrics.
Bananatex shows us that, by turning to nature for solutions, we can create products that not only meet our needs but also protect our planet. It serves as a wonderful example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. So, as we said in the beginning, Bananatex is not just a fabric, it’s a vision for the future. A testament of what we are able to do if we want to.
Bananatex is a definite ‘yes’ for The Pomelade.
What do you think about Bananatex? Have you ever shopped anything made from it? If not, would you? Let us know in the comments below!
