A female entrepreneur who produces shoes from banana fiber has gone global

Beste Cercis, an entrepreneur living in Bozyazı district of Mersin, produces eco-friendly shoes by utilizing the fibers of banana trees, which are considered waste. This initiative, which combines traditional methods with modern design, stands out with its sustainable production approach.

Cercis, who settled in Bozyazı with her family, noticed that banana tree fibers were used in the region in the past. Learning that women in the area used to obtain fiber from the waste trunks of banana trees, but that this tradition had been abandoned over time, Cercis revived this potential and transformed it into economic value.

THE INITIATIVE WAS BROUGHT TO LIFE WITH KOSGEB SUPPORT

Cercis, who participated in entrepreneurship training, brought her idea of ​​developing products from banana fibers to life with the support of KOSGEB (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization). As a result of her R&D studies, the entrepreneur shaped the production process and contributes to women's employment in her workshop in Bozyazı.

PRODUCED WITH TRADITIONAL HANDCRAFTSMANSHIP

The production process utilizes the trunks of banana trees that are discarded after bearing fruit once a year. These stems are transformed into fibers and processed by women using traditional methods such as weaving, spinning, and twisting. The prepared materials are then transformed into shoes with various designs by artisans in Ankara.

ZERO WASTE AND PATENTED DESIGNS

Cercis states that it combines its recycling-focused approach with design, developing patented products under its own brand. The shoes produced are also certified with a zero-waste certificate. In this respect, the initiative stands out among environmentally friendly production models.

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