Design Connect catches up with Christian Paul Kaegi, Co-founder and Creative Director of QWSTION, to know more about Bananatex – a fabric innovation rooted in sustainability.
The tensile strength of banana fibres makes it possible for Bananatex to create products designed for everyday use.
What led to the inception of Bananatex?
We’ve been searching for ways to make durable fabrics from natural fibers since our beginning. After a lot of research, we discovered the potential of banana fibers – especially because of their tensile strength.
What are the benefits to the environment when a consumer switches to products made using Bananatex?
From plant to bag (or other products), the process is very efficient. We’ve calculated that the CO₂ emissions to make one bag are compensated tenfold during the growth of the plants needed to produce it. There is no water, fertilizer, or pesticide needed either. Bananatex is purely natural and has been certified to be “baby safe.”
Seen on the right – Christian Paul Kaegi, Co-founder and Creative Director of QWSTION
From the tree plantation to natural fabric – how much time is consumed to produce the fabric?
It takes around one year for the stalk to grow to its full size before being harvested. After this, it takes another three months for processing and manufacturing.
What is the scope of the product? Is it limited to bags or can it be used to make clothes as well? If yes, what kind of weather would it be suitable for?
We’ve developed the fabric to make durable, light, and functional everyday bags. These properties align with many other purposes too = for example, footwear, furniture, or workwear.
Will the Bananatex cultivations be limited to the Philippines, or are other countries on the radar too?
There are other countries with a suitable climate – for example, in Central America – where pilot projects are already underway.
Bananatex – Paying an ode to sustainability
When we are talking about replacing existing habits with sustainable ones, a factor that comes to mind is the price point. At what price are Bananatex products being made available?
Our Roll Pack is priced at €295. Naturally, the material cost is much higher than that of a standard corduroy or nylon bag, so it does take commitment to sustainability from the customer. Generally, we see a big issue with the fact that plastic products do not have the “end of life” cost factored into the price. Humanity is paying the premium at the moment – not the customer buying an affordable plastic product.
A natural white hip pouch
What was the strategy behind showcasing this innovation at Salone Del Mobile 2019?
We felt the urge to show the world that there are not only concepts out there to solve our environmental issues, but also real solutions that are already working. Our material is in production. As a small company with no big marketing budgets, Salone presented an opportunity to get noticed.
The Shelter installation at Salone Del Mobile 2019
Tell us something about the installation Shelter.
Our installation was a metaphor for a solution to the issues of the geological age we have recently entered, in which human activity is shaping nature—the Anthropocene. Within the Shelter, we wanted to show how our solution works and how it’s made. The fact that plants were reclaiming the “Alcova” location made it a perfect site to present our project.
If a consumer has any further queries, where should they get in touch? Kindly provide relevant addresses, emails, and website URLs.
You can reach us through qwstion.com or bananatex.info, where contact details are available.
Any additional points you would like to mention?
For us, it was important to show that everyone—individuals or small companies—can make a difference. It takes commitment and time, but we can all contribute solutions to a more sustainable way of life.
Connect Online:
www.bananatex.info
www.qwstion.com
