The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other partners, has launched an innovative project to transform banana waste into eco-friendly textile fiber.
The initiative was formally introduced during a workshop titled “Bananas in Pakistan’s Bio-economy: Transforming Waste into Textile”, held alongside the “Made in Pakistan, SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026.”
Officials said the project is part of the Elimination of Hazardous Chemicals from Supply Chains Integrated Program, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with support from UN agencies and partners across eight countries.
SMEDA will serve as the lead executing partner, working with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Sindh government departments, FAO, and the National Textile University.
The project aims to promote climate resilience, circular economy practices, and national economic growth.
Speaking at the event, SMEDA GM Gender & Sustainability Sheharyar Tahir said the project would run from 2026 to 2031 and engage 40,000 women, along with young students.
He noted that bananas are cultivated on over 40,000 hectares in Pakistan, and significant quantities of crop residue are discarded or burned.
This waste can instead be processed into raw banana fiber for textiles, handicrafts, bags, and packaging materials.
FAO Program Assistant Amina Bajwa highlighted that Pakistan is among the most climate-vulnerable countries, facing agricultural emissions and environmental degradation.
She said converting banana waste into high-value products offers a practical way to reduce pollution while generating income.
Senior Joint Secretary Muhammad Ijaz Ghani of the Ministry of Climate Change described the project as socially inclusive and aligned with Pakistan’s largest export sector, textiles.
He stressed the importance of addressing pollution and resource depletion while promoting circular economy solutions.
Habibur Rehman (NTU-FAO) outlined the project framework, explaining that the initiative seeks to reduce dependence on imported cotton and tackle pollution caused by agricultural waste.
He also identified key challenges, including regulatory gaps, limited financing, weak institutional coordination, and value-chain barriers.
The project marks a significant step toward sustainable bio-economy solutions in Pakistan, combining environmental protection with economic opportunity.
