Papyrus Australia Makes Banana Paper
by TreeHugger on 05.12.05
Papyrus Australia has developed a technology that turns banana waste into paper. Banana trees produce fruit once year, and are then cut down, so banana fiber is an abundant waste product. Papyrus makes the banana paper using an economical process that uses no chemicals, no water, and about 1% of the energy conventionally used. The company is preparing to tap into what it believes is a potential multi-industry global empire. Others have produced paper with banana fiber content, like Costra Rica Natural, but their paper only contains 5% banana fiber.
The founder of Papyrus Australia, Ramy Azer, learnt the ancient technique of developing paper from papyrus reeds in his native Egypt. Azer says: "What has caught the eye of international markets is not banana papers' ingredients, but its versatility. It is waterproof and believed to be up to 3,000 times stronger than wood-pulp paper, meaning it can be used in packaging and even as a basis for building materials. Wallets, hats, bags, clothes and even furniture are also in the pipeline."
:: Papyrus Australia via Mitra: Natural Innovation
[by Justin Thomas]
Oooh! That is such awesome news!
Now we can change the lyrics of the song by Gwen Stefani, (Hoolaback Girl) from "This stuff is bananas!" to "This Paper is Bananas!"
This is an ancient technique? Then why the heck did we start cutting down trees? The way things were done back in the day aren't totally "uncivilized". Sometimes they work better than our current methods. We just need to reconnect with our roots.
If it's waterproof, how do you write on it?
Is the end product recylceable?
Good questions! I would have to think the end product is recyclable - I wonder though if it could be included in regular paper (the wood pulp kind) recycling.
I was also curious about the waterproof aspect of the paper - how does this work exactly I wonder? I'd like to see a sample of it.
From Wayne Wadsworth
Industrial Hemp Spoksperson for the
Nimbin Hemp Embassy
Ph: (02) 6689-1842
Mobile 0417 841 057
Dear friends,
I am currently putting together a display for Hemp/bamboo and would like to include banana fibre in the display,
Please contact me re posability.
Wadzy xx
Hi,
I working with banana pulp to to create artwork.
Banana paper for lino and wood cuts.
Can you recommend a natural protective finish. I am using arcylic spray to seal and prrotect. I would like to keep the pieces all natural.
Please advise.
Much thanks
Re: This is an ancient technique?
Yes and no. The basic steps are ancient, but the process with using the dry renewable long fibres of Banana Trees is still being fine tuned. Visit the emerging company's website to learn more. A great video (large size) is also downloadable there. The idea is ancient, the process is new. The only prevention thus far has been waiting for a human brain steered to think outside convention and make the wonderful connection!
http://www.papyrusaustralia.com.au/
How do you tell the difference between banana papyrus and Egyptian reed papyrus? What are the better qualities of each?