New start-up turns banana waste into carpets

Banana growing involves a lot of waste, as only 12% of the banana plant is used, and the rest goes to landfill. However, a Ugandan start-up is turning banana waste into products, including carpets textiles and hair extensions.

The process developed by TexFad first splits banana tree trunks in half using machetes, before the trunks are fed through a cutting machine, which turns them into long fibres that feel similar to leather. The fibres are then hung to dry and processed into eco-friendly products.

TexFad is experimenting with various items made from waste banana trees, including quality carpets and biodegradable hair extensions. It is also looking at ways to soften the fibres to make clothing textiles.

The company aims to make 2,400 carpets by the end of 2021, some of which it plans to export to the UK, US and Canada. The quality carpets are woven from the banana tree fibres using hand-operated wood weaving looms.

TexFad is not the only organisation to recycle banana plants. Australian researchers have found a way to make biodegradable packaging from banana waste.

Carpets in North Wales, Chester and Wrexham residential and commercial buildings are a popular choice of floor covering. Consumers in the region are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of carpet manufacturing. This is why many prefer wool carpets, as wool is a natural product that is durable, feels luxurious and is environmentally friendly. Carpets made from bananas trees could be a future eco-friendly alternative to wool.