Traceability refers to the ability to follow the journey of a material or product across its entire supply chain, from origin to end use. Circularity refers to the design and management of products and systems that keep materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and regeneration.

Traceability refers to the ability to follow the journey of a material or product across its entire supply chain, from origin to end use. Circularity refers to the design and management of products and systems that keep materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and regeneration. The global textile and fashion industry is one of the most resource-intensive and polluting sectors worldwide. It accounts for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions and contributes close to 20% of industrial wastewater discharges, ranking among the highest industrial contributors to environmental degradation [1]. Over the past two decades, the rise of fast fashion has significantly exacerbated these impacts. Consumers are purchasing more clothing items at faster rates, leading to an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste generated annually, a figure projected to rise to 134 million tons by 2030 if no systemic interventions are undertaken [2]. The industry is also responsible for substantial land and water use, chemical pollution from textile dyeing and finishing, and the release of toxic substances that threaten both ecosystems and human health.

Synthetic fibers dominate the global textile market, with polyester, nylon, and acrylic accounting for more than 60% of fiber consumption [3]. While these fibers are inexpensive and versatile, their environmental footprint is immense. They are nonbiodegradable, petroleum-derived, and major contributors to microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems [4]. Each wash of synthetic garments releases microfibers that accumulate in rivers and oceans, posing risks to marine life and entering food chains. As the demand for low-cost fast fashion grows, reliance on synthetic fibers is expected to increase further unless sustainable alternatives are adopted. This scenario underscores the urgent need to identify and scale renewable, biodegradable, and resource-efficient natural fibers for textile production.

Natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, jute, sisal, and banana fiber are increasingly recognized as sustainable alternatives. Cotton, while renewable, requires intensive use of water, pesticides, and fertilizers, making it environmentally problematic. In contrast, fibers like hemp, jute, and banana have relatively low input requirements and strong ecological credentials [3]. Banana fiber, in particular, is gaining global attention due to its availability as an agricultural by-product, high tensile strength, durability, and biodegradability. The fiber is extracted from the pseudostem of banana plants, which are usually discarded after fruit harvest, leading to significant volumes of agricultural waste. Transforming this waste into value-added fibers not only contributes to circular economy practices but also creates new income opportunities for farming communities.

Uganda, one of the world’s leading banana-producing countries, illustrates the untapped potential of banana fiber. The country produces over 6 million metric tons of bananas annually, primarily for domestic consumption [5]. However, the pseudostems, which make up the bulk of the plant biomass, are largely wasted. Globally, it is estimated that less than 5% of banana pseudostems are processed into fiber, despite their abundance and economic potential [6]. This underutilization highlights both a sustainability challenge and an opportunity: the potential to integrate banana fiber production into sustainable textile supply chains and position it as a competitive alternative to cotton and synthetics.

Despite its advantages, the commercialization and scalability of banana fiber textiles face several barriers. The most significant is the absence of effective traceability and circularity mechanisms in the supply chain. Current banana fiber production is highly fragmented, involving smallholder farmers with limited access to processing technologies, markets, and information. Without traceability, it is difficult to verify sustainability claims, ensure quality standards, or integrate banana fiber into global eco-textile value chains. Similarly, circular economy principles such as recycling, reuse, and lifecycle monitoring are poorly developed within this sector. As a result, banana fiber remains marginalized in the global textile market despite its ecological and social promise.

Technological innovations offer new possibilities for overcoming these barriers. Digital technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are transforming supply chain transparency and sustainability in industries ranging from food to electronics [7]. Blockchain ensures immutable records of material origins and transactions, IoT devices can monitor production and logistics in real time, and DPPs provide digital identities for products that capture their sustainability profiles across the entire lifecycle. Applied to banana fiber textiles, these technologies could enable reliable traceability, support eco-labeling, and enhance compliance with international sustainability standards. They could also foster consumer trust and allow brands to demonstrate alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 13 (climate action).

At the same time, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies provide growing evidence that banana fiber has a significantly lower carbon and water footprint compared to polyester and cotton [8]. These findings strengthen the case for banana fiber as a sustainable textile alternative. However, the lack of comprehensive LCAs across different geographical contexts, including Uganda, limits the generalization of these benefits. Furthermore, issues of scalability, market competitiveness, and integration with global textile systems remain unresolved. Without targeted research and supportive policies, the potential of banana fiber risks being overlooked in favor of more established but less sustainable fibers.

Policy frameworks and institutional support are therefore critical in enabling the sustainable growth of banana fiber textiles. Governments and international organizations are increasingly promoting eco-labeling, sustainability standards, and circular economy practices within the textile industry (European Commission, 2022). Such initiatives encourage both producers and consumers to engage with eco-textiles and create market incentives for sustainable practices. In Uganda and other banana-producing countries, policies that support farmer inclusion, investment in fiber-processing infrastructure, and integration into export markets could accelerate the adoption of banana fiber as a mainstream textile material. Partnerships between research institutions, private sector actors, and local communities will also be essential in building a resilient and sustainable value chain.

Against this backdrop, this review critically examines the state of knowledge on banana fiber textiles, focusing on traceability frameworks, circular economy practices, technological innovations, and policy initiatives, with specific reference to Uganda’s banana sector. The paper highlights gaps in existing research—particularly in data-driven traceability models, integrated circularity approaches, and smallholder farmer inclusion—and proposes future directions for advancing the scalability and sustainability of banana fiber textiles. By doing so, it contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable textiles and aligns with global efforts to transition toward environmentally responsible and socially inclusive textile production systems

The global textile industry is a cornerstone of the modern economy, valued at over $1.7 trillion in 2022 and expected to grow due to rising consumer demand and fast fashion trends [9]. However, this sector is also among the most environmentally damaging industries, responsible for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 20% of all industrial wastewater [1]. The environmental footprint of textiles stems from energy-intensive manufacturing, chemical-intensive dyeing processes, and excessive water consumption. For instance, producing a single cotton T-shirt requires approximately 2700 liters of water, which is equivalent to the drinking needs of one person for 2.5 years [10].

Another pressing issue is textile waste. Fast fashion, characterized by rapid product turnover and low-cost clothing, generates 92 million tons of textile waste annually, with projections indicating this will escalate to 134 million tons by 2030 [2]. Unfortunately, less than 1% of this waste is recycled into new textiles, leading to massive landfill accumulation and resource depletion.

The reliance on synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, worsens these challenges. Synthetic textiles, derived from petroleum-based resources, are non-biodegradable and account for over 60% of the global textile market [3]. When washed, these fibers shed microplastics, contributing significantly to marine and terrestrial pollution.

In response, there is a growing movement toward sustainable textiles, driven by policy changes, consumer awareness, and innovations in material science. Reports indicate that 62% of consumers now prefer sustainable and eco-friendly textile products, and a rising number of brands are pledging to adopt circular economy principles [11]. Despite these initiatives, significant gaps remain in traceability, supply chain transparency, and waste management, especially in developing economies where natural fiber resources are abundant but underutilized.

Natural fibers have re-emerged as viable alternatives to synthetic materials due to their renewability, biodegradability, and lower environmental footprint. Fibers such as cotton, hemp, jute, coir, and banana fiber have attracted attention for their sustainability potential [3]. Compared to synthetic fibers, natural fibers decompose more readily, thereby reducing landfill accumulation and long-term pollution. Their production also often requires less energy and fewer chemical inputs, particularly when derived from agricultural by-products such as banana pseudostems.

Bananas rank among the most widely cultivated crops, grown in more than 135 countries, with global production reaching approximately 145 million metric tons annually [12]. Despite this large output, only about 15% of bananas enter international trade, with most serving domestic consumption. Latin American countries, including Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Guatemala, dominate exports, particularly of the Cavendish variety, which represents nearly 60% of global trade [17].

The pseudostem, left behind after harvesting, represents a vast yet underutilized biomass resource. FAO (2020) estimates that one ton of pseudostem yields 200 - 250 kg of fiber suitable for textiles, mats, ropes, and eco-friendly composites. Globally, over 114 million tons of pseudostems are generated annually [13], but less than 5% is processed into fiber [6]. The environmental and economic benefits of banana fiber—its biodegradability, low water and chemical requirements compared to cotton, and high tensile strength make it a strong candidate for sustainable textile innovation. Yet barriers such as non-standardized extraction methods, limited commercialization, and absence of robust traceability systems continue to restrict its adoption [15][18].

The rapid evolution of digital technologies has transformed supply chain management, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. In the textile industry, data-driven systems monitor raw material sourcing, optimize manufacturing, and promote circularity. Technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and mobile applications can address key challenges in traceability and waste reduction, particularly for natural fibers like banana fiber. Technological integration is especially critical for banana fiber due to the fragmented, smallholder-driven nature of the supply chain. A data-driven framework can connect farmers, processors, and manufacturers through real-time data collection, creating a transparent and verifiable record of fiber origin, processing, and lifecycle management.

Blockchain technology provides a decentralized, tamper-proof ledger to track every transaction in the supply chain. It allows verification of origin, authentication of sustainability claims, and consumer transparency, as end-users can view the entire product journey. Successful blockchain pilots in agri-food supply chains highlight its potential applicability to banana fiber textiles, which face similar traceability challenges.

Digital Product Passports (DPPs), introduced by the European Commission’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), store information on material composition, recyclability, environmental impact, and production history. For banana fiber, a DPP could include details about the farm, extraction methods, dyeing processes, and end-of-life recommendations. When integrated with blockchain, DPPs enable end-to-end supply chain visibility, supporting export markets that demand sustainability credentials and facilitating closed-loop recycling systems.

IoT devices and mobile applications enhance real-time data collection and decision-making. Sensors can monitor moisture content during fiber drying to ensure consistent quality, while mobile platforms allow farmers and processors to log harvests and extraction activities. Geotagging can map production hotspots to support logistics and planning. In rural contexts like Uganda, low-cost mobile solutions provide smallholder farmers with digital tools even in areas with limited connectivity.

Big data and machine learning improve processing efficiency by forecasting pseudostem availability, optimizing fiber cutting, spinning, and weaving, and integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) metrics to continuously evaluate environmental impacts.

However, integrating these technologies faces barriers including high initial costs, low digital literacy, fragmented supply chains, and data security concerns. According to the Technology Adoption Model (TAM), perceived ease of use and usefulness strongly influence adoption rates, highlighting the need for user-friendly and affordable solutions.

Opportunities exist in developing open-source blockchain frameworks for small-scale producers, hybrid systems that combine cloud databases with offline mobile data capture, and integration with existing agricultural digital platforms to leverage synergies in rural communities. These innovations can strengthen banana fiber value chains, improve traceability, and enable sustainable circular practices.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. According to ISO 14040 (2006), an LCA typically involves four phases: defining the goal and scope, collecting inventory data on resource use and emissions, assessing environmental impacts such as carbon footprint, water usage, and toxicity, and interpreting results to identify hotspots and suggest improvements. In the textile industry, LCAs are widely used to compare the sustainability performance of different fibers, production methods, and waste management strategies [3].

Conventional fibers present significant environmental challenges. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon dominate the global textile market but are energy-intensive and nonbiodegradable. Polyester production alone accounts for approximately 40% of textile-related greenhouse gas emissions [16], and synthetic textiles contribute substantially to microplastic pollution, with over 500,000 tons released annually from washing [1]. Cotton, although natural and biodegradable, requires extensive water and pesticide inputs, with production of one kilogram consuming between 10,000 and 20,000 liters of water [10].

By contrast, banana fiber exhibits a much lower environmental footprint. Its production relies on agricultural waste, requiring minimal irrigation, and does not necessitate pesticides or herbicides. The extraction process is non-energy-intensive, resulting in significantly lower carbon emissions. At the end of its lifecycle, banana fiber is fully biodegradable and compostable, avoiding the persistence issues associated with synthetic fibers. Studies indicate that banana fiber generates 70% - 80% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to polyester and nylon [6]. Furthermore, the use of pseudostems as a raw material reduces agricultural residue, contributing to circularity and waste-to-resource conversion.

Comparatively, banana fiber performs better than other major fibers in water use, carbon footprint, and chemical requirements. While polyester requires roughly 20 liters of water per kilogram and emits 9 - 12 kg CO₂e/kg, cotton consumes 10,000 - 20,000 liters and emits 5 - 7 kg CO₂e/kg. Hemp requires around 2000 liters and 2 - 3 kg CO₂e/kg. Banana fiber, by contrast, uses less than 500 liters of water per kilogram, emits under 2 kg CO₂e/kg, and requires no pesticides, demonstrating both environmental efficiency and biodegradability [3][6][12]. Despite these advantages, LCA data for banana fiber is not yet fully integrated into supply chain decision-making. Digital Product Passports (DPPs) can incorporate LCA metrics such as carbon footprint and water savings, while blockchain-enabled platforms can document and communicate sustainability impacts to consumers. IoT sensors can provide real-time monitoring of energy and resource usage during fiber processing, further supporting data driven sustainability frameworks.

However, gaps in LCA research persist. Most studies focus on laboratory-scale extractions rather than large-scale commercial operations and lack region-specific data for countries like Uganda, where processing infrastructure is still developing. Additionally, current LCAs rarely account for circularity benefits, including multiple reuse cycles and upcycling potential. Future research should expand LCAs to include comparative analyses with cotton, hemp, and bamboo fibers while integrating circularity parameters to reflect real-world conditions, ensuring that banana fiber’s full environmental and economic potential is accurately assessed.

The transition of the textile industry toward sustainable and circular models is influenced not only by consumer preferences and technological innovations but also by governmental policies, international regulations, and industry standards. Effective policies provide an enabling environment for practices such as traceability, recycling, and eco-design, which are essential for the growth of banana fiber textiles in global markets. Without clear regulatory frameworks, small-scale producers face challenges in achieving compliance, obtaining certifications, and remaining competitive.

Several international initiatives are driving the textile sector toward sustainability. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 on Climate Action, emphasize sustainable material use and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, aligning directly with banana fiber’s low carbon profile. The Paris Agreement and related climate policies encourage industries to adopt renewable and low-carbon alternatives to synthetic fibers. In addition, the European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) introduces Digital Product Passports (DPPs), requiring detailed product information including sourcing and recyclability (European Commission, 2023), which is crucial for accessing eco-conscious markets in the EU. Certification frameworks such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), while primarily used for cotton, could serve as a model for standardizing banana fiber products internationally.

At the national level, Uganda recognizes bananas as a strategic crop for food security and economic development, but the banana fiber sector remains largely under-regulated. Existing agricultural policies focus predominantly on food crop productivity, leaving non-food value chains underserved. Major gaps in Uganda’s regulatory environment include the absence of formal standards for banana fiber extraction, processing, and product quality, as well as a lack of certification schemes to verify sustainability and traceability. Furthermore, incentives for investment in processing infrastructure and digital technologies are limited. Nonetheless, regional initiatives such as the East African Bioeconomy Strategy emphasize the need to valorize agricultural waste [5], and mission-oriented policies that focus on research, technology adoption, and export promotion could accelerate the commercialization of banana fiber textiles.

Traceability and circularity frameworks rely on data standardization and digital infrastructure. International examples, including the EU Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) and national e-Government initiatives in India and Kenya, demonstrate how digital platforms and blockchain technologies can empower small-scale farmers by linking them to broader markets. For Uganda, integrating blockchain and DPP frameworks into agro-industrial supply chains would enhance banana fiber traceability while opening access to premium international markets.

Despite these policy developments, significant implementation gaps remain. Most policies are designed for large-scale textile industries, often neglecting emerging natural fibers like banana fiber. Limited funding for research and development constrains innovation in fiber extraction and recycling, and practical guidelines translating international standards into actionable steps for smallholder farmers are largely absent. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative policy design involving governments, NGOs, research institutions, and private sector actors.

Opportunities for policy innovation include the development of national standards for banana fiber processing and quality assurance, creation of incentives such as tax breaks or grants for startups producing sustainable textiles, integration of banana fiber into Uganda’s export strategy with particular attention to EU markets, and adoption of DPP frameworks through public-private partnerships to establish transparent and traceable value chains.

The literature on sustainable textiles demonstrates significant potential for natural fibers such as banana fiber; however, research remains fragmented, leaving critical gaps that must be addressed to fully realize banana fiber’s potential in global markets. One major limitation is the lack of integrated frameworks. Most studies examine traceability or circularity separately, with very few attempting to unify these concepts into a technology-driven model that addresses transparency, waste management, and environmental sustainability concurrently [7].

Digital technology adoption in banana fiber textiles is also limited. While blockchain, IoT, and Digital Product Passports (DPPs) have been explored in other agricultural and apparel supply chains, their application to banana fiber remains minimal [18]. Research on scalable, cost-effective solutions tailored to smallholder-driven banana value chains, particularly in regions such as Uganda, is scarce.

Underutilization of banana fiber further restricts its impact. Globally, less than five percent of banana pseudostems are processed into fiber due to a combination of factors, including the absence of standardized extraction technologies [15], weak linkages between farmers, processors, and manufacturers, and minimal R&D investment in product development and quality optimization. Most sustainable textile frameworks are designed for industrial-scale production, leaving smallholder farmers—who account for 75% of banana cultivation in Uganda—underserved [5].

Policy implementation challenges exacerbate these gaps. Although international regulations such as the EU Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR) and the SDGs promote sustainable materials, there is no clear pathway to translate these policies into practical guidelines for small-scale banana fiber production. Uganda, for instance, lacks formal quality standards, traceability or organic certification schemes, and incentives for investment in fiber processing or recycling.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies, though promising, are limited in scope. While preliminary research indicates that banana fiber has a low carbon and water footprint, comprehensive LCAs covering all stages of processing and recycling are rare. Comparative analyses with other natural fibers under real-world production conditions are also lacking [3].

To address these gaps, future research should focus on developing integrated traceability circularity models that combine blockchain, IoT, and DPPs to track banana fiber from pseudostem collection to end-of-life recycling. Pilot projects in banana-producing regions, such as Uganda, could validate the feasibility of such frameworks. Scaling banana fiber production requires investment in optimized mechanical and chemical extraction technologies and the exploration of small-scale, decentralized processing units suitable for rural adoption. Advanced LCA studies should compare banana fiber with synthetic and other natural fibers, focusing on carbon footprint, energy consumption, and biodegradability, while integrating LCA metrics into digital tools like DPPs for real-time sustainability monitoring.

Policy-driven research is essential to develop quality standards, certification schemes, and financial incentives to promote R&D and private-sector investment in banana fiber value chains. Smallholder empowerment through training in digital literacy, mobile technology adoption, waste collection, fiber extraction, and record-keeping is also critical. Finally, research should explore circular business models, including product-service systems and take-back programs, to enable closed-loop recycling, while studying global market opportunities for banana fiber-based products in niches such as luxury fashion, sustainable apparel, and ecofriendly home décor.

Emerging research questions include how blockchain and IoT systems can be adapted for rural, low-tech value chains; which circular business models can ensure profitable upcycling of banana fiber textiles; how international policies like the EU ESPR can accommodate nontraditional fibers; and the comparative economic viability of banana fiber relative to cotton and synthetic alternatives in export markets.

The global textile industry is at a pivotal moment, facing increasing scrutiny over its environmental impacts, including high carbon emissions, excessive water use, and the generation of massive textile waste. In response, the search for sustainable alternatives has intensified, with banana fiber emerging as a promising eco-friendly solution. Derived from agricultural waste in the form of pseudostems, banana fiber is renewable, biodegradable, and low in carbon emissions, offering a viable alternative to conventional fibers such as cotton and synthetics. Its utilization aligns with circular economy principles and contributes directly to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This review underscores that despite its potential, the adoption of banana fiber faces several challenges. Fragmented supply chains, limited traceability, minimal research and development, and weak policy frameworks—particularly in banana-producing countries like Uganda—constrain its wider use. Advanced technologies, including blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Product Passports (DPPs), provide practical solutions to these challenges by enabling traceability, transparency, and lifecycle monitoring. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies further demonstrate banana fiber’s lower environmental footprint, reinforcing its suitability for sustainable textile innovation.

Realizing this potential requires integrated, multi-stakeholder approaches. Key components include the implementation of technology-driven traceability frameworks to enhance market trust and competitiveness, circularity models that support fiber reuse and closed-loop recycling, supportive policies and certification schemes to attract investment and facilitate market access, and capacity-building initiatives that promote digital inclusion among smallholder farmers, who constitute the backbone of banana fiber supply chains.

Looking ahead, research and industry collaborations should focus on pilot projects that validate data-driven frameworks and circular systems tailored to the socio-economic realities of banana producing regions. Such initiatives can reduce agricultural waste, create sustainable livelihoods, stimulate green economic growth, and position banana fiber as a central material in the future of sustainable fashion and textiles.

This review relies primarily on laboratory-scale LCA studies, which may not fully reflect commercial-scale operations. Data gaps remain in lifecycle emissions, socio-economic costs, and long-term scalability. These limitations should be considered when interpreting findings.