Could Banana Leaves Replace Traditional Plastic Packaging?
For many it's a cool new trend, but actually it’s
a practice that spans back hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
Companies today are turning to banana leaves to replace plastic
packaging for foods, and they're getting great results and positive
feedback. Here are some examples from around the web.
Banana leaves are hardy, water-tight, and cleanBananas
are also one of the largest crops in the world, so banana leaves are
readily available. Many ancient, cultural cuisines were wrapped in
banana leaves for storage. These thick, glossy leaves hold moisture in
and don't easily disintegrate when wet, thereby making them a perfect
food saver.
Source:
Bananaleaftechnology.com
The Benefits of Banana Leaves Over Plastic Packaging
As
many companies are now moving away from single use plastics, they're
seeking biodegradable alternatives as packaging for food. Banana leaves
are 100% environmentally-friendly and sustainable. They will degrade
just like any other plant product once they've been discarded, and
they're a by-product that is continuously produced.
They're cheap.
Because banana leaves are everywhere that bananas are, they're readily
available. They don't cost anything to grow, and they're already growing
on existing distribution channels.
They're large. Banana
leaves are often used as serving vessels because of their size. A
banana leaf can be used to wrap fairly large food items.
They're clean. The
slick nature of banana leaves means that they're water proof and easy
to clean. Other leaves may not be clean enough to use for food service.
They're attractive. Banana
leaves grow in a bright color, and they retain that bright color,
making them look fresh and new even days after they have been cut.
They’re guilt-free and compostable. There are no special processes required for getting rid of banana leaves; they can be thrown in the trash or composted outside.
They're natural. Banana
leaves don't need additional treatments to remain fresh-looking or
water-resistant. Consequently, they're perfect for those who are
interested in natural foods.
Banana
leaves are lightweight, healthy, and attractive. Many people who are
uncomfortable with plastics may be comfortable with the use of banana
leaves, as they won't pass unusual chemicals to food.
Source: Afflink
Mother Nature offers us everything we need, it’s up to humankind to make the right choice.More
than half of the world’s plastic and paper are utilised for single-use
products, resulting in an annual cut down of 7 billion trees.
Disposables, on average serve their purpose for just 10 minutes and ends
up as trash, ultimately in the oceans.
Source:
Bananaleaftechnology.com
Rimping Supermarket, Chiang Mai:This
banana leaf packaging can be found in the Rimping Supermarket in Chiang
Mai, Thailand. A local real estate company in the city, Perfect Homes,
posted photos of the banana leaf packaging to their Facebook page and it
quickly gained widespread attention, with over 16,500 shares. For more,
click link 👉
Source:
PerfectHomes
Banana Leaf Technology Products are even more durableTheir
technology enhances cells, strengthens cell walls of leaves and
prevents pathogenic agents from destroying the cells. Increased in their
durability, stretchability and crushability, preserved leaves can
resist extreme temperatures and hold more weight than in their original
state. The preservation capability of leaves with natural green colour
is for a period of up to one year and an extended shelf lifespan of
three years without its natural colour. These processed biomaterials are
biodegradable, healthy, pathogenic resistant.
Source:
Bananaleaftechnology.com
Facebook user Arshad Abdul posted this picture from Kerala, India:In Asian regions, banana leaves are considered a traditional food medium and used for food packaging.
Source:
Facebook/ArshadAbdul
Another shot from Arshad Abdul in Kerala, IndiaBanana
leaf biomaterial is totally chemical-free, animal fodder,
cost-effective, 100% bio-degradable and goes back into nature when
discarded in 28 days as opposed to plastic and similar products which
stays in nature for around 730,000 days. This helps solve the global
landfill crisis that results in constantly rising heaps of garbage which
amount to more than 1 billion tons per year and prevents the death and
cruelty to 200 million land and aquatic animals.
Source:
Facebook/ArshadAbdul
Even the tough trunk of the banana plant makes useful packagingWhen
bananas are harvested, the trunk is normally cut and about 5 feet of
the plant is left standing. In provinces where plates are not available,
the trunk is made into plates. This time, Dizon Farms in the
Philippines tried to use it as packaging. For more, click link 👉
Source:
Instagram/DizonFarms
Banana Leaf Technology: Indian startup with a vision of the future‘This
technology evolves the traditional practice to suit modern needs,’ the
company website says, ‘thus providing a sustainable environmental
solution to a longstanding global problem and on its way to saving 4
billion trees every year. This processed biomaterial made from leaves
currently serves over 30 products wherein its applications are
limitless.’ And the website does not fail to mention that this material
serves ten out of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals formulated
by the United Nations.
Source:
Bananaleaftechnology.com
What’s your takeaway?There's
a significant waste problem on a global level, and companies are going
to need to do something about it if they're going to survive and please
new consumers. Many countries are taking action against single-use
plastics and non-biodegradable products. What is your plan?
Source:
Facebook/ArshadAbdul
