Bananatex fabrics now certified compostable
Bananatex fabrics, developed by Swiss bag company Qwstion, have been certified as compostable, both in marine water and via industrial composting, by testing institute ISEGA.
According to the lab results, shown to sportstextiles, Bananatex was found to have almost completely biodegraded under marine conditions after 112 days. “This may be the most meaningful step for Bananatex so far,” commented co-founder and chief executive Hannes Schoenegger.
Made from 100% abacá, a native banana species grown as a commercial crop in the Philippines, the fabric is made by turning fibres into paper, which is spun into yarn and then woven, a process which takes place at partner facilities in Taiwan.
A caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) solution is applied during yarn production, but no “toxic” chemicals are involved, Bananatex tells us. The resulting textile has technical properties, such as tear and abrasion resistance, and its intended end-use may also mean a finish or coating is required, for which beeswax and plant-based waxes are typically used.
Certified to Cradle to Cradle’s gold standard last December, another relatively recent development is the creation of lightweight twill and poplin versions of Bananatex. These fabrics are suitable for use in apparel, the company says, as they can be washed on a delicate cycle at temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius.
Qwstion’s Zip Pack bag, which has a Bananatex shell, following several weeks “in an office plant pot”.
Credit: Qwstion/Bananatex via LinkedIn.
