Entrepreneurs have expressed the need for machinery and technology to transform waste materials into value-added consumer goods. There is a high demand for products crafted from chemical-free waste materials like plant fibres obtained from pineapple, roselle, lotus, and banana, especially in foreign markets. However, local enterprises face challenges in fulfilling these orders due to inadequate equipment and technology.
U Myint Thein from Green Banana Myanmar highlighted the situation: “We already have abundant raw materials. What we need is machinery and technology. We noticed foreigners love clothes and scarves made of Myanmar banana fibres.” His company is involved in a weaving business that utilizes banana fibres.
Despite having numerous orders, the company faces limitations due to inadequate equipment, mainly spinning machines. While India and the Philippines have sufficient equipment, foreign buyers prefer Myanmar products. Weaving a six by 2.5 feet garment with banana fibres takes five days, and the entrepreneur stressed the need for equipment and know-how to expedite the process.
Various materials such as water hyacinth, banana leaves, banana stem pith, and mashed areca nuts can serve as raw materials for producing consumer goods, and these products are in demand in countries like Thailand, Singapore, and Spain.
The government actively promotes micro, small, and medium enterprises in domestic and international markets. In late 2023, Japan ordered garments and towels made of Myanmar banana fibres, prompting entrepreneurs to work diligently to meet these orders.
Clothing made from banana fibres is renowned for its cooling and lightweight properties, with some countries even producing bullet-proof vests from these fibres. Additionally, banana fibres can replace bamboo in paper production, reducing chemical usage and environmental conservation. Entrepreneurs predict that manufacturing consumer goods from waste materials will become indispensable in the future. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/NT
