Unsung Resource: Banana Bark - Discovering Its Remarkable Applications Beyond Food
Banana bark, a seemingly ordinary byproduct of the popular fruit, is proving to be a valuable resource for a more sustainable future. This versatile material is being explored and utilised in various ways, from organic fertiliser and biodegradable plastics to textiles and biofuel.
One of the most intriguing aspects of banana bark is its potential as an organic fertiliser. By cutting the banana peel into small pieces and soaking it in water, a nutrient-rich liquid fertiliser is created. This liquid, rich in potassium and trace minerals, can be used to water plants, enhancing their growth and health [1][2]. This liquid fertiliser is particularly suitable for heavy-feeding plants and can be applied roughly once a month for best effects [4].
In addition to the liquid fertiliser, banana peels can be composted or ground into powder, known as "flour fertiliser", to enrich the soil with organic matter and minerals. This process improves soil quality and supports root development [1]. In some practices, this fermentation process releases essential nutrients deep into the roots, stimulating stronger plant growth and faster flowering cycles [5].
Banana bark serves as an effective organic fertiliser, supporting heavy-feeding plants, being cut and soaked/fermented in water to create a liquid fertiliser rich in potassium and trace minerals [1][2][5], acting as compost or dried powder added directly to soil to enrich it organically [1], and improving soil quality and supporting root development [1].
Beyond its use as a fertiliser, banana bark is also being harnessed for its biodegradable properties. Startups in Colombia are experimenting with banana bark-based biodegradable plastics for disposable cutlery [2]. Companies in Thailand and Sri Lanka are pressing banana bark into sustainable food containers as an alternative to plastic [3]. Brands like Banana Fiber Clothing (Philippines) and Green Banana Paper (Micronesia) are transforming banana fibers into luxurious, biodegradable textiles [6].
Moreover, banana plants regrow in 9-12 months, making banana bark a fast-growing and renewable resource [7]. Long fibers from banana bark can be peeled, twisted tightly, and dried to create a strong, biodegradable rope [8]. Soaking banana bark strips in water for 24 hours softens them for handmade paper [9]. Fresh banana bark strips can be used to create handmade paper, while dried banana bark can be chopped into small pieces and used as garden mulch to retain moisture and deter pests [10].
Interestingly, a 2022 study found that banana bark's high cellulose content makes it ideal for biofuel production [11]. Banana plants are herbaceous, meaning their stems are soft and composed of tightly packed leaf sheaths [12]. A screen mold (or old window screen) is needed to create handmade banana bark paper [13]. Unlike wood pulp, banana bark requires less chemical processing, making it an eco-friendly paper source [14].
In summary, banana bark is a versatile and sustainable resource with numerous applications. From organic fertiliser and biodegradable plastics to textiles, biofuel, and paper, the potential uses of banana bark are vast. As more research is conducted and innovation continues, it's clear that banana bark will play a significant role in a more sustainable future.
[1] https://www.organicauthority.com/organic-gardening/banana-peel-fertilizer/ [2] https://www.treehugger.com/green-food/banana-stems-could-be-our-next-biodegradable-plastic.html [3] https://www.treehugger.com/green-food/banana-stems-could-be-our-next-biodegradable-plastic.html [4] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/organic/fertilizers/composting/composting-banana-peels.htm [5] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/organic/fertilizers/composting/composting-banana-peels.htm [6] https://www.treehugger.com/style/banana-fiber-clothing-sustainable-fashion-4744427 [7] https://www.treehugger.com/green-food/banana-stems-could-be-our-next-biodegradable-plastic.html [8] https://www.treehugger.com/green-food/banana-stems-could-be-our-next-biodegradable-plastic.html [9] https://www.treehugger.com/green-food/banana-stems-could-be-our-next-biodegradable-plastic.html [10] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/organic/fertilizers/composting/composting-banana-peels.htm [11] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0961412422003841 [12] https://www.britannica.com/plant/banana-plant [13] https://www.treehugger.com/green-food/banana-stems-could-be-our-next-biodegradable-plastic.html [14] https://www.treehugger.com/green-food/banana-stems-could-be-our-next-biodegradable-plastic.html
- In the realms of environmental science and climate-change research, the utilization of banana bark for sustainable living can expand beyond organic fertilizers and biodegradable plastics.
- As the fashion-and-beauty industry shifts towards eco-friendly alternatives, companies like Banana Fiber Clothing in the Philippines and Green Banana Paper in Micronesia are employing banana fibers to create luxurious, biodegradable textiles.
- In the kitchen and dining, food-and-drinkware made from banana bark offers a biodegradable, home-and-garden-friendly alternative to plastic containers and cutlery.
