<ul><li>Researchers in Uganda are repurposing waste from banana plants into textiles, hair extensions, and sanitary pads to capitalize on the global trend toward eco-friendly materials.</li><li>The Banatex-EA project at Busitema University, led by Edwin Kamalha, has successfully transformed banana stems into spinable fibers for creating various items, offering a new income source for farmers.</li><li>Challenges include the stiffness of banana fibers, restricting their use, as well as regulatory obstacles in Uganda inhibiting genetic engineering for enhancing fiber-producing banana plants and exporting products due to lack of international product codes.</li><li>Despite hurdles, supporters like TEXFAD see vast potential in banana fiber, aiming to boost Uganda's textile industry by training youth and generating demand for these innovative products.</li></ul>

Scientist find way to turn banana stems into fabrics and hair extensions

Discover more