More than five trillion single-use plastic bags are used globally each year and according to UNO, single-use or disposable plastic comes with severe environmental problems, such as land and water pollution. The continued use of thin plastics to contain our consumables is said to cause more harm than good. If thin plastics remain unabated this results in degraded soils, increase floods, decline human health and loss in tourism revenue.
The move towards eco-friendly materials is part of a growing zero waste movement across the world aiming to eliminate non-biodegradable waste, significantly minimizing the quantity of waste that is finally disposed at open dumps or landfills and contaminates ecosystems. There is a significant waste problem at an international level, and businesses need to do something about it if they are going to survive and please new consumers. According to the United Nations Environment Report 2018, 128 countries have implemented regulations to curb plastic bags. However, Harare, Maputo and Lilongwe and other cities in Africa are becoming an eyesore and need to think of eco-friendly local solutions to dealing with municipal solid waste problems. Nevertheless, Thailand and Vietnam are one step ahead. Though we still wrap our fruits and vegetables with plastics and meshes, the Asian continent has developed a plan to avoid certain unnecessary waste by packaging their products with banana leaves.
Banana tree species are common throughout Sub-tropical continents and can yield leaves that can grow 2.5 metres in length, and many people around the world use them to cover various types of food and their sturdiness make them an ideal form of packaging for fresh produce that sells quickly. This solution has transformed social networks, which marvel the humanity with the simplicity of the material. The leaf size is ideal for wrapping food, since they have an elongated shape. Furthermore, they can be folded and handled easily. Banana trees are found in tropical areas during all times of the year, so their use would also be economical.
It’s not the first time that the use of banana leaves has been practiced. In India it has been present much earlier. It’s traditionally used as a plate and even as a way of steaming. Likewise, in Mexico, Banana leaves were used to wrap tamales. These leaves permeate hot foods with the vitamins of the banana, being beneficial for human health and for the planet at the same time. The move was soon afterwards adopted by big supermarkets in Vietnam such as Lotte Mart. Some supermarkets are still examining the move and may likely adopt it. The biggest three supermarkets in Vietnam are in the banana leaves packaging campaign. If one visits Lotte Mart outlet today in Ho Chi Minh City you will be surprised to see scallions, okra and other vegetables wrapped in banana leaves. These supermarkets are looking forward to expand the use of banana leaves to the entire chain in the country later this year, following a trial period in the southern city.
As many corporations are now moving away from single use plastics, they’re seeking biodegradable packaging for food. Banana leaves are 100% environmentally-friendly and sustainable. They will degrade just like any other plant product once they’ve been thrown away, and they’re a by-product that is continuously produced. Because banana leaves are everywhere where bananas grow, they’re readily available. They don’t cost anything to grow, and they’re already growing on existing distribution channels. The slick nature of banana leaves means that they’re water proof and easy to clean. Other leaves may not be clean enough to use for food service. Banana leaves don’t need additional treatments to remain fresh-looking or water-resistant. Consequently, they’re perfect for those who are interested in natural foods. Using banana leaves also has a great added value in the fact that they are an aesthetic eco-friendly alternative, and also a positive shopping experience. It encourages the consumer to be more aware of being environmentally responsible. These thick, glossy leaves hold moisture in and don’t easily degrade, thereby making them a perfect food saver. In short, they are natural, resistant and organic; the perfect substitute for plastic in many situations
On the other side, the banana leaves quickly deteriorate overtime. This why some food packaging companies are still relying on plastics, that now often clog the waterways and cause land pollution. A young Indian architect has managed to modify banana leaves to a packaging material that keeps it properties for three years. And it is perfectly decomposable. This innovation advances the traditional practice to suit modern needs, thus providing a sustainable environmental solution to a longstanding global problem and on its way to saving 4 billion trees per year. Using natural products is the best solution to save the environment. You give back what you take. You do not take anything extra, or give back anything more.
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