In addition to producing delicious fruit, researchers have discovered that banana trees can help produce fabrics. What’s more, they can be done sustainably and replace much of the plastic used by industry today. It all started with the Swiss company QWSTION , who developed the material to create one of his backpack collections. The brand's designers and researchers were so pleased with the performance of the new fabric that they decided to set up an installation, called Shelter , and launch Bananatex® during Milan Design Week , which will take place in April. The idea is to showcase the potential of fiber for architects and designers. This new material was even designed as an open source (i.e., released to other companies) with the aim of encouraging brands around the world to use it in their products.

To develop Bananatex® , QWSTION collaborated with textile experts and weavers, who are partners of the brand, in Taiwan. The banana trees from which the leaves were taken are grown in the Philippines in a natural ecosystem of sustainable agriculture. . Therefore, the plant does not require any type of chemical treatment, such as pesticides, for example, or excessive use of water. Another relevant characteristic of the fabric is its softness, lightness and flexibility, which allows designers to use it in many versions. For the finish, it receives a natural wax, which does not change the color and guarantees water resistance. According to representatives of the QWSTION brand, the excessive use of plastic was what motivated them to find an alternative material. For 40 years, plastic has offered unlimited possibilities for the design of anything and made it possible to produce it at affordable prices. Despite this, its The accumulation of plastic, especially in the oceans, has become a huge problem for humanity, as only 9% of plastic products are recycled. Solutions like this are more than necessary and urgent for consumption to be more conscious and sustainable. If you're flying to Milan , make a note in your diary: Shelter , an Installation by QWSTION . At Alcova, via Popoli, 11-13, from April 9 to 14, from 11am to 7pm.