Awesome applications for Banana leaves as a replacement for plastic packaging

 

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 clean Bananas 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 durable Their 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, India Banana 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 packaging When 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