A new project in Pakistan that will turn waste from the banana value chain into bio-based textiles has been awarded a grant of $3.73 million over six years.
- The project, announced in Brasilia during the 64th Council Session of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), joins 25 other initiatives of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) that have been selected as part of the next GEF cycle.
The Project: The 'Bananas in Pakistan's Bioeconomy: Transforming Waste into Textile' project is part of the GEF Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals from Supply Chains integrated programme, which focuses specifically on the fashion and construction sectors.
- The programme aims to stimulate innovations in new materials, technologies, and practices; create markets and demand for such innovations; and embed the principle of “green by design”.
The Objectives: The project seeks to achieve the following goals:
- Waste Valorisation: The project aims to turn the considerable biomass waste generated during banana production in Pakistan into value-added products. By doing so, it aims to reduce waste, enhance food security, and improve rural livelihoods.
- Sustainable Textile Production: Through the utilisation of alternative bio-based textiles, the project aims to reduce the reliance on chemical-intensive production methods. The development of eco-friendly textiles will contribute to a more environmentally friendly fashion and construction industry.
The Impact: The implementation of the project is expected to bring several positive outcomes, including:
- Environmental Conservation: By reducing the amount of waste generated from banana production, the project will contribute to a cleaner environment and promote sustainable practices within the textile sector.
- Economic Empowerment: The project will provide additional income opportunities for rural populations, particularly women, by creating markets for the production and sale of bio-based textiles. This will enhance livelihoods and improve economic resilience in local communities.
- Skill Development: The project will offer training and skill-building opportunities, enabling rural populations to acquire new knowledge and capabilities in the sustainable bio-economy sector. This will empower individuals to pursue sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.
WHAT THEY SAID:
It is estimated about a two-thirds of biomass produced during banana production is wasted – this new project in Pakistan aims to turn waste into value-added products, bolstering food security and rural livelihoods while developing alternative, bio-based textiles that require fewer chemicals and are much kinder to the environment.
— Lev Neretin
Lead, Bioeconomy for Sustainable Food and Agriculture
Food and Agricultural Organization
Turning non-edible waste from the banana value chain into sustainably produced fabrics is a win-win situation. It extracts more value from the inputs used to produce the banana plants and from banana residues, while at the same time offering extra income opportunities and teaching new skills to rural populations, in particular women. Pakistan is really showing how to lead in sustainable bioeconomy innovation, and this grant from the GEF will be a catalyst for more sustainable agrifood system transformation down the line.
— Florence Rolle
Country Representative, Pakistan
Food and Agricultural Organization
