The global textile industry is massive, valued at $594.1 billion in production in 2022 alone (Euromonitor, 2023). It represents one of the most important “ladder” industries for developing countries seeking to promote industrialisation and create jobs. Yet, the industry is unsustainable, creating massive unmanaged waste as well as creating an estimated 10% of global greenhouse gas (GhG) emissions (Brocker, 2024).

Several strategies are being explored to reduce the environmental footprint of textile materials, including consumer awareness, better regulation of and incentives for highly polluting industries such as fast fashion, and use of recycled materials. One avenue is the development of new sources of low-impact fibres to at least partly move away from materials that have a large carbon, water or plastic footprint (UN Environment Programme, 2023). In this context, fibres that are derived from by-products sourced from or linked to established supply chains, such as those based on agricultural waste, are an important tool to reduce the environmental impact of textiles.

This brief explores the potential of alternative natural fibres in textiles, focusing on banana and pineapple fibres as compelling case studies. The study investigates these promising materials from a trade perspective, employing a mixed-methods approach. It combines a comprehensive literature review with insights gathered from field visits and interviews with SMEP projects in Uganda and Kenya.