Prospect of waste banana fiber use in industry: A narrative review

Abstract

In recent years, there has been significant research and investigation into the utilization of natural plant fibers. These fibers are increasingly recognized for their superiority over synthetic alternatives due to their biodegradable nature, renewable source, lightweight composition, and enhanced biochemical and tensile characteristics. Banana fiber holds significant importance due to the widespread use of bananas globally. Different components of the banana plant, including the fruit, fruit skin, flower buds, leaves, and pseudo-stem (banana trunk), are employed for diverse industrial applications. The pseudo-stem constitutes a significant proportion of the biomass derived from banana waste and possesses high-quality fiber that exhibits promising potential for various industrial applications. These applications include the production of sanitary pads, textiles, pulp and paper, food products, reinforced composite materials for automobiles, construction materials, aerospace components, and other composite materials. Additionally, the residual waste generated from its production can be effectively employed for the development of bio-based products, thereby making a direct contribution to a country's economy. In summary, this review study provides valuable insights for many stakeholders, including farmers, businesspeople, planners, scientists, and the government, to facilitate informed decision-making and promote socioeconomic advancement within the country.