# Banana-Based Vehicles Lighter, Faster and Eco-friendly Autos from Plant-Based Plastics By Kyle Farquharson | Published 2011-03-29 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-plastics1 References: [wired](http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/03/bananas-could-make-cars-leaner-greener/?view=all) & [slashfood](http://www.slashfood.com) According to researchers from Sao Paulo State University in Brazil, the technological potential of bananas, and other tropical fruits and plants in the field of plant-based plastics, is far from monkey business. Scientists were able to isolate nanocellulose fibres -- compounds located in the cell walls of [banana peels, coconut and pineapple husks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-pork) -- to engineer a lightweight organic plastic that is renewable, biodegradable and rivals Kevlar in strength. The new material is also resistant to heat, gasoline and water damage. And thanks to a 30 percent reduction in weight compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics, the organic compound would significantly improve vehicular fuel economy, too. So far, there’s no indication of what the substance would cost, or whether the [automotive industry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supreme-group) will embrace it. But the Brazilian team says plant-based plastics will likely enter the marketplace in a couple of years, and will become more affordable as the scale of production increases. Photo Credits: [Fernando Stankuns Flickr](http://www.flickr.com/photos/stankuns/2648857215/) | [TigerPuppala Flickr](http://www.flickr.com/photos/puppala/242896103/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Plant-based Plastics:** The use of nanocellulose fibers from banana peels, coconut, and pineapple husks as renewable and biodegradable plastics for various applications. - **Lightweight Automotive Materials:** The development of strong and lightweight organic plastics for vehicles, improving their fuel economy and reducing emissions. - **Sustainable Manufacturing:** The use of renewable and eco-friendly materials in manufacturing to reduce waste and environmental damage. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive Manufacturing:** Opportunity for auto manufacturers to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly materials to produce lighter and fuel-efficient cars. - **Packaging Industry:** Opportunity for packaging companies to adopt biodegradable plant-based plastics as an alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. - **Textile Industry:** Opportunity for clothing companies to use plant-based fibers as a sustainable alternative to cotton and synthetic fabrics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plant-Based Car Leather](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leather-alternative-1.md) - [Plant Fibre-Based E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hummingbird-flax.md) - [Banana-Based Denim Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bananabased-denim-collections.md) - [Banana-Made Luxury Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-4.md) - [Plant-Based Soda Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-bottle.md) - [Naturalistic Plant-Based Bicycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astan-bike.md) - [Plastic Waste-Powered Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bertone-gb110.md) - [Plant-Based Beverage Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prototype-pet-bottle.md) - [Plant-Based Plastic Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-pet-bottle.md)