Bananatex® is the world’s first durable, technical fabric made purely from the naturally grown Abacá banana plants.
Cultivated in the Philippine highlands within a natural ecosystem of sustainable mixed agriculture and forestry, the plant is self-sufficient, requires no pesticides, fertilizer or extra water. These qualities have allowed it to contribute to reforestation in areas once eroded due to monocultural palm plantations, whilst enhancing biodiversity and the economic prosperity of its farmers.
Bananatex® is incredibly strong and durable, while remaining soft, lightweight and supple.
An all-natural wax coating can be applied to make Bananatex® waterproof. The resulting fabric has a smooth and distinctive handfeel.
Definitely compostable!
Footwear, chairs, backpacks, baby accessories, wristbands, outerwear, bike accessories.
Abacá is grown within a natural ecosystem of sustainable mixed agriculture and forestry. The plant’s inherent properties align with Bananatex' commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability. First the stalks are cut –each Abacá plant has several stalks that can be harvested once a year, and regenerate fully within one year. Next step is “topping”: cutting the leaves, then “tumbling” the stalks. The leaves are left to decompose, creating a natural fertilizer.
The stripping is handled at the harvesting site, and the fibers are “combed” to separate them from one another.
The raw fibers are sorted at the warehouse of the farmers cooperative.
The Abacá fibres will be transformed into yarn in a Taiwanese paper mill, the yarn – in the case of the All Black colourway – is coloured using the yarn dying method. This process is more sustainable than the typical roll dying alternative, and certified to the highest standard (Oeko-Tex® Standard 100). The Natural White colourway reflects the actual color of the fibers and is accordingly not dyed.
Abaca itself is cultivated in the Philippine highlands within a natural ecosystem of sustainable mixed agriculture and forestry. Design and development happens at the brand’s studio in Zurich, Switzerland, and the fabric is made in Taiwan.
Bananatex Lightweight
Bananatex Mediumweight
Bananatex Heavyweight
Cradle to Cradle Gold