Business transforming bananas into garments
In the heart of Changhua County, Taiwan, Nelson Yang's company, Farm to Material, is making waves in the fashion world. The enterprise, which transforms banana plants into sustainable textiles, is attracting the attention of European sneaker brands.
Entrepreneur Nelson Yang's innovative approach involves producing fibers from the banana plant's middle section, or pseudostem, a part that is typically discarded after harvest. These fibers can be crushed, dried, and used to create yarn that can be blended with cotton for socks, or even turned into vegan 'leather.'
This eco-friendly venture has its roots in Taiwan's past. Once known as the 'banana republic' in the 1960s to boost exports, the nation's banana industry, while overshadowed by the technology sector, still holds a significant place in its history. Under Japanese colonial rule from 1895 to 1945, Taiwan was renowned for its fruit, especially pineapples and bananas.
As of now, Yang's company has not received any orders from apparel companies. However, Charlotte Chiang, director of the innovation and sustainable design department at the Taiwan Textile Federation, sees great promise for banana fiber in the textiles industry. She believes it could become a new highlight for Taiwan in the field of biomass fiber.
Chiang praises the superior properties of banana fiber compared to regular cotton. It boasts better water consumption, absorbency, and supply stability. These attributes make it an attractive option for the fashion industry, which is increasingly conscious of its environmental impact.
If successful, Yang's venture could revitalise Taiwan's banana industry and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional textiles. It could also rekindle a sense of patriotic pride in a product that once symbolised the nation's agricultural prowess. Only time will tell if this innovative approach will take root and flourish in the global fashion scene.
