From waste to strategic resources: encouraging competitiveness in the Tolima banana chain

The environmental issues arising from banana crop agriculture revolve around the underutilization of plant residues generated during cultivation, leading to environmental contamination and inefficient exploitation of natural resources. Banana cultivation offers untapped opportunities in terms of technological package development and knowledge transfer to make use of byproducts beyond bunches and leaves. This project aims to address two specific problems: adding value to banana production residues in the Tolima department and reducing single-use plastics. The plan is to work in the pilot municipalities of Casabianca and Herveo, where women's associations process banana fibers. It aims to benefit 150 people directly, including women's associations and banana producers. The project seeks to tackle the underutilization of banana residues by implementing technologies, knowledge transfer, and the development of biodegradable products with the goal of improving environmental management and adding value to banana cultivation in the selected municipalities. Objectives include the adoption of processes and product development strategies using banana residues, environmental impact assessment, and the development of biodegradable biomaterials. The intention is to develop technologies for utilizing agro-industrial residues, characterizing experimental products, and producing biodegradable food containers. Additionally, the project aims to enhance environmental practices among producers and build technological capabilities in biocontainer manufacturing.