The innovative research project, “Upcycling Banana Trunks into Fashion Enterprise: ITDO Model,” is an innovation designed to enhance the value of banana trunks, an abundant agricultural by-product, by applying the principles of upcycling to develop high-value materials and sustainable fashion products. The project is implemented through the ITDO Model, an integrated development framework that connects research, innovation, design, and community entrepreneurship to transform local resources into sustainable sources of income and long-term economic value.

This innovation demonstrates the integration of expertise in engineering, industrial technology, and creative design to develop environmentally friendly products while reducing agricultural waste and promoting efficient resource utilization in accordance with the principles of the Circular Economy. In addition, the project contributes to strengthening the grassroots economy by enhancing the capabilities of community enterprises, enabling them to develop innovative products, expand into modern markets, and compete successfully on the international stage.

The research was developed by Assistant Professor Dr. Panu Pattanapanithipong, Associate Professor Dr. Rosjana Chandhasa, and Ms. Chutima Ngampipat from the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University.

The project has been selected for presentation at the 2026 Japan Design, Idea and Invention Expo (JDIE 2026), which will be held from July 3–4, 2026, in Osaka, Japan. As a prestigious international platform for showcasing research, innovations, and inventions, JDIE 2026 brings together researchers, inventors, and academic institutions from around the world to exchange knowledge, establish international collaborative networks, and further advance innovative research toward sustainable global development.