Production of high-value compounds and innovative future products from banana: creation of robust circular economy

Banana is grown throughout the tropics and subtropics of the world. They play a quintessential role in the nutrition, wellbeing and cultural life of millions of people. In terms of world export, banana ranks 5^th most important crop next to coffee, cereal, sugar and cocoa. World production of bananas and plantains are 155.2 million tons in an area of 8.72 million hectares, led by India, contributing 21% of global production. The changes in consumer behavior and food consumption pattern have increased the potential of exploring innovative and green products in the spectrum of food technology. Banana generate huge volume of the biomass including pseudostem (30–34%), leaves, flower & bracts (5%) and rhizome (12–14%) after the harvest of fruit bunch. The growing importance on the concept of circular economy has a way to attain sustainable development in the fruit processing sector. Valorized by-products from banana plant, including bio ethanol production are gaining attention. Utilization of biomass from various banana waste conversions into novel and innovative high value products with emphasis on secondary and tertiary processing and products like xylitol, cellulose, MCC, hydrogel needs to be discussed. On the whole, banana can be a suitable candidate for development of future food for its inherent availability of bioactive components. Fine chemistry, innovation and development of niche markets coupled with the circular economy approach can manifold enhance the value of products. The application of new methods, processes and product achieves global competitiveness and sustainable growth through creation of new business models and employment opportunities. Branding and boosting the entrepreneurship through providing incubation platforms, decision support systems, and handholding for technological backup are pre-requisite to improve and sustain the banana production and processing.