From stem to strand: a critical review of banana pseudostem fiber processing, properties, and life-cycle assessment for sustainable textiles

The global textile industry is currently undergoing a paradigm shift toward sustainability, driven by the urgent need to reduce the environmental damage caused by the production of traditional cotton and synthetic fibers. This review critically assesses the potential of banana pseudostem fiber (BPSF) as a high-performance, lignocellulosic alternative from underused agricultural biomass. Globally, banana pseudostem residue accounts for approximately 114 million tons annually, with India contributing around 51.18 million tons. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical structure of BPSF, highlighting its superior tensile strength, ranging from 529 to 754 MPa, favorable cellulose content (63% to 85%), and crystallinity index (60% to 71%), which make it a viable competitor to traditional natural fibers. A systematic assessment of the extraction methods—from mechanical stripping to advanced enzymatic degumming and microbial retting—is presented, focusing on the trade-offs between fiber yield, quality, and environmental impacts. The work also includes a comparative, technical-sustainability assessment and a conceptual life-cycle assessment, which show that BPSF offers a significant reduction in blue water footprint and greenhouse gas emissions compared with cotton, with a projected global warming potential of 0.5 to 2.5 kg CO ₂ eq./kg of BPSF versus 4.85 kg CO ₂ eq./kg of cotton.