Banana paper is a type of paper produced from banana plant peel or banana peel fibers. Paper produced from banana fibers has a lower density, higher stiffness, higher sustainability, renewability and higher tensile strength compared to traditional paper. These properties of banana paper are due to the high amounts of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in banana fibers. These components are the basic cellular components of banana fiber.
The History of Banana Paper
There is information that banana stems were used as a fiber source as far back as 13th century Japan. However, with the increase in silk and cotton fibers imported from China and India, the popularity of banana paper decreased.
Banana paper was first patented in the United States in 1912 by Charles M. Taylor and Howard Kay Cook. Both of them managed to prove through their experimental studies that cellulose fiber, the main ingredient of paper, could be easily extracted from banana plant waste and that the fiber could be well adapted to make durable paper. Taylor and Cook applied for a patent for banana paper on March 16, 1912. The application was accepted on May 2, 1916 and they received a lifetime patent, but this patent has expired today. Today, banana paper has a significant environmental impact. As it is known, after bananas are collected from the fields, the stems and trunks are usually thrown away. However, these waste parts contain available fiber resources. If the stems and trunks removed as waste are used, it is very clear that this will cause a decrease in synthetic fiber production. Synthetic fiber production requires extra energy, fertilizer and chemicals. Banana paper has an environmentally friendly production process that does not require the use of any chemicals during production. Banana paper is also more durable and has a longer lifespan than traditional paper. Therefore, banana paper production does not contribute to environmental pollution. Banana paper reduces pollution by having lower disposal costs and less agricultural waste entering landfills and rivers. Since the traditional paper industry is one of the largest energy consumers, banana paper production uses less energy than traditional paper production. Therefore, banana paper has less impact on natural resources such as forests.
How is Banana Paper Made?
In the production process of banana paper, the fibers are finely ground until they are in a form similar to fine sawdust. The fiber is then washed intensively to remove natural resins to create agricultural fiber. If the natural resins are not washed, these resins will deteriorate the integrity of the paper. The pulping process produces pulp for use in paper production.
Banana paper can be produced both by hand and by using various machines. There are similar stages in both production methods. First, banana stems are collected as they contain high amounts of fiber that can be used in making banana paper. It is necessary to eliminate natural resins that can reduce the strength and durability of the paper, and for this, the fiber in the banana is removed and washed. The washed fibers are used to create a stronger fiber form called agricultural fiber. The pulping process then allows the pulp to be used in paper production. This pulp is used to produce post-consumer fiber and is mixed with agricultural fiber. Finally, the mixed fibers are either molded together in a bundle or by a machine. The weight and thickness of banana paper varies according to the structure of the banana stem used. The outer parts are thicker and the inner parts are lighter because they contain softer fibers. Its weight can vary between 30 and 40 grams.
Where is Banana Paper Used?
With its unique texture, banana paper is often preferred in miniature, illumination and calligraphy. It is generally used in artistic activities due to its renewable nature. However, on the other hand, the banana paper market is expanding over time due to the increasing new areas of use of banana paper such as paper pens, business cards, greeting cards, notebooks and other stationery materials. Since banana paper is made from banana waste with high fiber content, it is a type of paper that is tough and highly absorbent. Banana paper does not contain any chemicals in its production compared to other types of paper produced by traditional methods. For this reason, it has high sustainability.
