Fiber Extraction

• In order to extract the fiber from the banana tree bark, the trunk of the tree must be peeled. The brown-green skin is discarded while the cleaner, whiter part is kept for making the fiber. The fiber is then extracted by hand by being clamped between the wood plank and knife, then pulled through so the beneficial material is removed. This extracted fiber is then sun dried until it whitens.
  
  

Banana Fiber Uses

• In countries which manufacture and export wicker furniture, such as Indonesia., banana fiber is one of the components used to make sofa sets, dining table sets, bedroom sets, shelves, planter pots and other furniture or accessories. It is usually combined with water hyacinth and rattan. Banana fiber is weaved together to make such furniture.
  
  

Banana Fiber and Plywood

• Banana fiber can alone be used to make furniture, or it can be combined with plywood. It can be used to create a laminated surface on plywood furniture. In order to make this laminate, banana harvesting residues are recycled and then transformed into an organic, decorative laminate. Some species of bananas, such as the Abaca species, are harvested only for their fibers.
  
  

Creative Designs

• Recycled banana fiber can be used to make decorative surfaces rather than just a plain, smooth surface. The result is a design and texture which makes plywood look natural and organic.