From agricultural waste to engineered fibre

Our processes for extraction, degumming, cottonisation and spinning are based on published research and carried out under controlled conditions in Njeru.

Six stages from field to product

Each stage is documented and controlled, so buyers receive fibre and products of consistent quality.

Harvest

Sourcing banana pseudostems

After the fruit is harvested, the banana pseudostem is normally cut down and left to rot. We collect pseudostems from farms around Njeru and Buikwe, giving farmers additional value from every harvest. Pineapple leaves are sourced the same way.
Extract

Mechanical fibre extraction

Pseudostems are split into sheaths and passed through our decorticating machines, which separate the long fibre bundles from the plant tissue. Extraction is carried out on site and in the field close to where the stems are grown.
Dry

Drying, sorting and grading

Freshly extracted fibre is washed and sun-dried, then sorted by length, colour and fineness so that each batch meets the requirements of the product it is intended for.
Refine

Degumming, softening and cottonisation

Raw banana fibre is coarse and contains natural gums. Using alkali, ultrasonic and activated-water degumming methods developed in our research, we remove these gums and soften the fibre. Further opening and cutting produce a cotton-like staple suitable for spinning.
Spin

Yarn development

Cottonised fibre is carded, blended where required and spun into yarn. We produce pure banana-fibre and banana–cotton blend yarns on cones and bobbins for knitting and weaving.
Make

Product manufacturing

Our teams use the prepared fibre and yarn to make Banafine hair extensions, carpets, rugs and other woven goods, while knitted fabrics and sweaters are produced with our sister company, Fine Knits Textile Industries Ltd.

Testing and quality control

Our laboratory tests fibre at key stages of processing, and samples are analysed against the requirements of each customer and product line before production is approved.

We continue to develop our methods with university partners, and support students carrying out research on banana fibre.

Our research and publications