Sustainable Development: Transforming Ravenala into eco-friendly craft products

The Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) in collaboration with the Academy of Design and Innovation (ADI) is holding an exhibition on the theme “Creating Craft Product using Ravenala Madagascariensis and Textile Fabric Waste”. The initiative, which is scheduled on Friday 15 May 2026 at Vallée des Prêtres in Port Louis, highlights ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development, environmental preservation, and innovation through the transformation of invasive plant species and industrial textile waste into eco-friendly craft products.

Mauritius is well-known for its rich biodiversity with unique fauna and flora. However, these natural resources are increasingly under threat due to deforestation and the proliferation of invasive plant and animal species, which hinder the growth and survival of endemic plants within the Mauritian ecosystem.

In this context, the National Parks and Conservation Service has been undertaking the clearing of Ravenala Madagascariensis, commonly known as Ravenala, from forested areas to safeguard native and endemic species. Once cut, the remaining plant parts are often left in forests, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes and raising additional environmental and public health concerns.

To address these challenges, the ADI developed this circular-economy-based project funded by the MRIC. The project focuses on transforming harvested Ravenala plants and discarded textile fabric waste into value-added products while minimising environmental impact.

Through extensive experimentation with different materials and proportions, several transformation processes were developed to convert the raw materials into handmade paper, organic fertilisers, ropes, packaging materials, handcrafted jewellery, and bio-composite materials for interior applications, among others.

The project also explores the collaborative use of Ravenala fibre and industrial textile waste as innovative alternative raw materials for the craft industry. Ravenala fibre, known for its remarkable tensile strength, already has several applications in Mauritius, including natural fencing, construction materials, indoor blinds, and other handcrafted items. At the same time, recycling textile waste helps address one of the major sources of industrial pollution by giving discarded fabric a renewed purpose instead of allowing it to accumulate in landfills.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the ADI’s commitment to fostering a circular economy, the initiative seeks to contribute to environmental sustainability while creating new economic and employment opportunities within the local craft sector.

The project further aims to develop a unique and sustainable niche in both local and international craft markets by combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. The outcomes of the research have been documented to support further development, innovation, and replication of the initiative in the future.

14 May 2026

Email: gis@govmu.org

Website: https://gis.govmu.org

Mobile App: GIS News

Topics: Others