JJANGER

PACKAGING (BANANA LEAVES)

Description/Taste
Banana leaves are large, wide, elongated, and
slightly rounded, averaging two meters in
length, a half a meter in width, and 8-12 leaves
per tree. The surfaces of the leaves are waxy,
flexible, and glossy, and range in color from
lime, olive green, to dark green. There is a
central midrib that runs the length of the leaf
and two laminas, or leaf halves are found on
either side of the midrib. The leaves do not have
branching veins, and this makes them
vulnerable to tearing easily. Banana plants also
have a pseudostem, which is a false stem that
looks like a trunk but is multiple fleshy leaf
sheaths that are tightly overlapped. Banana leaves have a grassy and sweet, green flavor. Many
cultural cuisines were wrapped in banana leaves for storage purposes. Banana leaves holds
moisture in and doesn’t easily deteriorate therefore making them a natural food preserver.

The Benefits of banana leaves

As many companies are now
moving away from single use
plastics, they're seeking
biodegradable packaging for food.
Banana leaves are
100% environmental-friendly and
sustainable. They will degrade just
like any other plant product once
they've been discarded, and they're
a by-product that is continuously
produced. Banana leaves are also
lightweight, healthy, and
attractive. Many people who are
uncomfortable with plastics may be comfortable with the use of banana leaves, as they won't
pass unusual chemicals to food.

 They're cheap. Because banana leaves are everywhere that bananas are readily available.
They don't cost anything to grow, and they're already growing on existing distribution
channels.

 They're large. Banana leaves are often used as serving vessels because of their size. A
banana leaf can be used to wrap fairly large food items.
  They're clean. The slick nature of banana leaves means that they're water proof and easy
to clean. Other leaves may not be clean enough to use for food service.

 They're attractive. Banana leaves grow in a bright color, and they retain that bright color,
making them look fresh and new even days after they have been cut. 

 They’re guilt-free and compostable. There are no special processes required for getting
rid of banana leaves; they can be thrown in the trash or composted outside.

 They're natural. Banana leaves don't need additional treatments to remain fresh-looking
or water-resistant. Consequently, they're perfect for those who are interested in natural
foods.

Package Development

Banana leaves are hardy, water-tight, and clean. Bananas are also one of the largest crops in the
world, so banana leaves are readily available. Many ancient, cultural cuisines were wrapped in
banana leaves for storage. These thick, glossy leaves hold moisture in and don't easily degrade,
thereby making them a perfect food saver.

Step 1: Place a bowl about the size of the product on

the banana leaf to serve as a guide. Make sure to use
gloves when handling the leaves

Step 2: Cut along the bowl to create a circle. Repeat

until the leaf can no longer be cut

Step 3: Estimate the middle of the circle with your

finger and fold the left side of the leaf inward under the
right side
 Step 4: Staple it into place and repeat Step 3 until four
folds are created

Step 5: Store the packaging in a clean and sanitized

storage box

REFERENCES
http://www.promusa.org/Banana+leaf
https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Banana_Leaves_3403.php
https://www.afflink.com/blog/can-banana-leaves-replace-traditional-plastic packaging?
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