The banana plant has long been a source of high quality textile fibers.
In Japan, the cultivation of banana trees destined for clothing as well as the domestic use of fibers date back to the 13th century AD.
In the Japanese system, the leaves and buds of the banana tree are periodically cut from the plant in order to guarantee a superior softness.
Following the harvest, the shoots are boiled in lye (caustic soda solution), to ensure better processing of the yarns. Fibers of various degrees of softness are produced, obtaining yarns and fabrics with different quality levels intended for specific uses. For example, the outermost fibers are coarser and more suitable for tablecloths, while the more internal and soft ones are desirable in the weaving of kimono and kamishimo . These latter traditional Japanese textile processes require many steps, all to be performed by hand.
In Nepal, on the other hand, the trunk is collected, shredded and subjected to a softening process for the mechanical extraction of the fiber, subsequently bleached and dried. Subsequently, the fibers are sent to Kathmandu Valley and used in a carpet weaving that is very reminiscent of silk. This kind of banana fiber mats is produced by hand with traditional Nepalese methods and comes on the market with a Rugmark certification.
In the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, after harvesting the fruit, the trunk (outer layer) is worked to obtain a thin thread to be used in the manufacture of flower garlands instead of the classic thread.
Banana fiber is also used in the production of banana paper ( banana paper ). Banana paper can be obtained from two distinct parts: from the bark of the banana tree (mainly used for artistic purposes) and from the fibers of the stem with the fruits not otherwise used. The production of banana paper takes place both by hand and by industrial processes.
