What is it about?
This research explores how natural fibers from the Ensete plant (also known as false banana), which grows widely in Ethiopia and other parts of East Africa, can be used to make sustainable ceiling boards. Ensete is a plant traditionally used for food, but its strong, fibrous stalks are often discarded. In this study, we use these fibers as a valuable resource to create environmentally friendly building materials. First, we extract the fibers from the Ensete plant using a water retting process, which softens the stalks and allows the fibers to be separated. These fibers are then cleaned, dried, and woven into fabric. The woven fabric is used as reinforcement in a new type of green composite material, where it is combined with a biodegradable or natural resin (a glue-like substance) to form sturdy sheets. We tested the resulting composite materials for their strength, water resistance, and suitability for indoor ceiling board applications. The results showed that the Ensete fiber-based composites have good mechanical properties and are suitable for building use, especially in rural or low-cost housing. The main benefit of this work is that it offers a sustainable alternative to conventional ceiling boards made from synthetic materials or wood, which can be expensive and harmful to the environment. This innovation also adds value to a local agricultural byproduct, creating new income opportunities for farmers and small industries. Overall, this research supports green building practices and promotes the use of local, renewable resources for construction.
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Why is it important?
This work is unique because it is one of the first to explore the use of woven Ensete fibers to develop green composite materials specifically for ceiling board applications. While many studies focus on common natural fibers like jute, sisal, or hemp, Ensete remains an underutilized but highly promising resource—especially in Ethiopia and surrounding regions where it is abundantly available. By converting agricultural waste into high-value building materials, this research opens up new possibilities for sustainable construction. The timing of this study is especially important given the growing global demand for eco-friendly and affordable building materials. With rising concerns about deforestation, plastic pollution, and the carbon footprint of conventional construction materials, there is an urgent need for locally sourced, renewable alternatives. This work directly addresses these issues by offering a practical, biodegradable, and cost-effective solution. Moreover, the development of woven Ensete fiber composites adds strength and structural integrity compared to non-woven or random fiber arrangements. This makes the final product more durable and reliable for real-world use. The approach also supports circular economy principles by creating value from agricultural residues and supporting local communities through fiber harvesting and processing. In short, this research contributes to environmental sustainability, supports rural livelihoods, and promotes innovation in green material development—making it both timely and impactful.
Perspectives
From my personal viewpoint, this publication represents more than just a technical advancement—it reflects a deep commitment to sustainable development, local empowerment, and environmental responsibility. As someone who has witnessed both the challenges of rural housing and the abundance of untapped natural resources like Ensete in Ethiopia, I was inspired to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern material science. This research gave me the opportunity to explore how indigenous plants, often overlooked, can provide innovative solutions to pressing global problems such as waste, environmental degradation, and the need for affordable housing materials. It was especially rewarding to work on a project that not only advances scientific understanding but also has practical, real-world benefits for communities that are often left out of mainstream innovation. Developing woven Ensete fiber composites also challenged me to think creatively about materials processing, fabrication, and performance testing. I learned that solutions don't always come from importing new technologies, but can often be found by looking closely at what we already have and reimagining its potential. I hope this work will inspire more research into regionally available, bio-based resources and encourage partnerships between scientists, local farmers, and small-scale manufacturers. For me, this publication is a step toward building a more inclusive and sustainable future through materials innovation grounded in local context.
Dr Gurumurthy B Ramaiah
Federal TVET Institute/University, Ethiopia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Extraction of Ensete fibers and its woven fabric green composite development for ceiling board applications, Industrial Crops and Products, January 2025, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.120189.
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