#TITLE_ALTERNATIVE#

• Main Author: UTOMO (NIM: 17514026, CHRISTINE
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/26265
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

The high production of bananas in Indonesia is followed by abundant agricultural waste. The waste has so far not been optimally utilized. This research is aimed to improve the utilization of banana pseudostem as one of the waste handling solution as well as to increase the prestige of banana pseudostem and its potential as natural material aside from bamboo and rattan. <br /> <br /> There are two approaches conducted in this research, namely material exploration through literature study and direct experiment on banana pseudostem as the main material, as well as approach of lifestyle aspect, especially woman lifestyle. Women are chosen as potential customers because they show a higher tendency towards self-image than men. In addition, women also have a bigger market share and market potential. Consumer researches are conducted through questionnaires and interviews, directly and indirectly to women, especially young adults of the upper middle class in Indonesia. Material experiments are carried out physically such drying and water absorption experiments, mechanically in the form of loading, press, lamination, and sewing experiments, as well as chemically, which refers to general fabric making such as scouring, bleaching, dyeing, and also chitosan coating. <br /> <br /> The result of this research is that prospective consumers have high mobility with intense social interactions, both in casual and formal situations. The users have many bags and are concerned with the aesthetic aspect above the functional aspect. While the results of material experiment is that banana pseudostem can be used as main material in the bag designed, which accommodates the needs of upper-middle class women. The method used is laminating a few pseudostem sheets with perpendicular fiber orientation and minimum number of three layers to get the final result which is strong enough but that is still flexible.