Muhammad Saleem

The National Textile University faculty members have developed spinnable banana fiber from plant waste. This innovative technology will reshape the textile industry of Pakistan. Talking to WealthPK, Pervez Ahmed, the university spokesperson, said this technology would introduce innovative approaches in the textile sector, a major source of foreign exchange earning. Spinnable banana fiber is derived from the plant waste with enhanced softness, fineness, and improved properties. The patent on this innovative technology has been granted to the university. It was developed by Dr. Yasir Nawab, Dr. Sheraz Ahmed, Dr. Faheem Ahmed, and Dr. Muzammil Hussain. The Higher Education Commission funded the project. Since its inception, the university has been imparting education in different disciplines following the requirements of the textile sector. It is also ensuring technical and managerial manpower for the entire textile industry. Besides, the university has also cemented strong ties with the industrialists. Elaborating on the process of spinnable banana fiber, Pervez Ahmed said the creative process comprised several critical steps as it was derived from the pseudostems of banana plants.

The innovation will surely offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials. Among the various types of banana fibers, spinnable banana fiber stands out for its remarkable characteristics and versatile applications, he added. Mr. Ahmed, a textile exporter, told WealthPK that the foreign buyers were adopting modern technologies to get maximum shares and for this purpose, they were trying to introduce eco-friendly products. It's a matter of great satisfaction that we have locally developed spinnable banana fiber, which would surely lead to a green revolution in textiles, he said. He said Pakistan was facing the issues of climate change and the country would have to revisit its strategies to tackle the issue. One of the primary advantages of spinnable banana fibers is its eco-friendliness. Banana plants are available in Pakistan and we must cash in on this situation after the development of the spinnable banana fiber, he added. Besides, he said the government must promote banana cultivation, which requires minimal water and pesticides. Spinnable banana fiber production carries minimal environmental impact, unlike the traditional textiles.

"By ensuring banana cultivation, we can also ensure reforestation in Pakistan as we need countless trees to battle the climate changes," he suggested. A faculty member of the university said the banana leaf gave two distinct yarn types coming from its leaf veins, offering a coarse texture and a creamy hue. He said different countries, including the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, and some other countries, are producing this type of fiber and Pakistan had to develop such technologies to retain the international market. Spinnable banana fiber carries exceptional tensile strength and can be considered a strong competitor to traditional textiles like cotton. The fibers are known for their durability, as products to be made from this technology would have a longer lifespan. "Sensing the rising inflation globally, consumers prefer long-lasting products over disposables. The spinnable banana fiber is durable and can be used for producing assorted products like apparel, accessories, and home textiles. Besides, such fibers can also be used in the manufacturing of paper."

Credit: INP-WealthPk