Long heralded as a superfood, bananas are increasingly finding a home in fashion. The fibrous stalks of banana plants are spun into a low-impact yarn and added to the ever-growing list of plant wools.
Referred to as banana silk or abaca, and sometimes abaca paper (after the specific species of Philippine banana from which the stalks are harvested), this fibre is lustrous, versatile, durable, and biodegradable, with antibacterial, sweat-wicking and deodorising properties.
Banana plants are fast-growing and carry a low carbon footprint. The United Nations has also identified banana yarn as a ‘future fibre’ because it can thrive without pesticides and insecticides. This helps minimise erosion and other sedimentation issues in coastal areas, and even harvesting waste can be used as organic fertilisers to create a looped production cycle.
The fashion world has already embraced banana fibre as a compassionate, stylish, and sustainable replacement for animal skin. Balenciaga now offers its iconic Triple S Sneaker with a Bananatex® upper, and Stella McCartney made headlines with a Bananatex® tote.
Now, banana wool – already a favourite with cruelty-free and eco-conscious hobby knitters – is ready for its catwalk debut. With its ability to spare sheep and lower waste, it’s easy to see the “a-peel”.
Read more: Discover Crop Plant Wools
