Recent developments in lignocellulosic banana (Musa spp.) fiber-based biocomposites and their potential industrial...

Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits globally, leaving behind approximately 60 % of their biomass as residual waste after harvest. This accounts for an estimated 114.08 million metric tonnes of banana waste annually, contributing to significant environmental challenges, including pollution, soil degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and odour problems. Addressing this issue requires innovative solutions to minimize waste while creating value from these residues. One promising approach is the extraction of fibers from banana pseudo-stems and their transformation into composite materials. These fibers exhibit remarkable mechanical and physical properties, making them suitable for applications across various industries. A thorough understanding of banana biomass characteristics and effective treatment methods for waste conversion are critical to optimize this process. With advancements in fiber processing and composite fabrication, banana fiber-based composites have demonstrated potential in diverse sectors, including automotive, packaging, and textiles, as well as environmental applications such as water, wastewater, and air pollution treatment. This valorization of banana waste into sustainable products offers a pathway to mitigate environmental impacts while supporting circular economy initiatives.