Banana Stems: A Hidden Resource for High-Value Textiles

At the event, Dr. Pham Thi Hong Phuong, Senior Advisor at the Innovation, Start-up and Technology Transfer Center, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, and Head of Ecotech Eco-Village, presented the technology and its potential applications.

“The model of extracting fiber from banana stems and sheaths is already being applied in Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeast region,” Dr. Phuong explained. “It’s particularly well-suited for the southeastern areas of Lam Dong, where banana stems are abundant — in communes such as Nam Thanh, Tra Tan, Bac Ruong, Nghi Duc, Tan Minh, Ham Tan, and Son My. Traditionally, banana trees were only harvested for fruit, but now the stems can bring much higher added value when processed properly.”

From Waste to Wearable Fabric

Dr. Phuong’s research team has designed and engineered a fiber-stripping machine capable of separating banana fibers with precision — achieving the desired length and thinness that manual methods could rarely produce. One of the major technical challenges with banana fiber has been its tendency to harden when exposed to water, making it difficult to weave.

To overcome this, the team developed a closed-loop process that modifies certain structural components of the fiber, increasing its cellulose content to the optimal level for spinning. This breakthrough has successfully produced soft, flexible banana fibers — a key step toward turning agricultural waste into viable textile material.

The next challenge lies in spinning and weaving the fiber into fabric. Researchers are now exploring blends of banana fiber with other natural materials to enhance the fabric’s softness and durability, while maintaining the unique characteristics of banana silk. The resulting fabric is already available in parts of Vietnam and Taiwan (China), drawing attention from eco-conscious designers and consumers.

Ready for Technology Transfer and Commercialization

“Now that the machinery and production process are in place, we’re ready to transfer the technology to organizations or individuals interested in manufacturing banana-fiber textiles,” Dr. Phuong said. “With Lam Dong’s abundant banana resources, this could become a promising start-up model. We also plan to introduce these eco-friendly fabrics to hotels and coastal resorts in Lam Dong for visitors to experience firsthand.”

Nguyen Van Trung, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Center for Science and Technology Application, emphasized the province’s strong potential for fiber and food processing industries.

“Lam Dong’s rich agricultural resources can support fiber-based and food-processing industries,” he noted. “This conference serves as a bridge, introducing technologies that maximize the value chain of local crops like bananas. It helps enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers identify suitable technological solutions to increase the value of indigenous and advantage crops in the southeastern region.”