In the Nantes region (France), an unusual project is currently being developed regarding the use of tomato stems.

Like vines, tomato stalks can reach 15 m. Once the tomato crop is harvested, growers throw out the stems to make way for new plants to plant.

Ressourceraie, a company specializing in plant processing, in collaboration with researchers from Paris Tech, decided to try using them to turn into clothes!

This center recently developed an innovative technique for extracting fibers from stems, and then making clothes. Soieries de Touraine, one of the oldest manufacturers of French fabrics, became interested in the project. Thus, sweaters and T-shirts from tomatoes are likely to be available soon.

Researchers also managed to isolate the pigments of tomato leaves in order to turn them into green paint, as well as ink for a ballpoint pen. They hope to move to the industrial stage at the end of the year.

For information, local tomato production in France is small and takes place between March and November. The rest of the time, the needs of the French market are fully met by the import of imported products.

The leading tomato producer in the world is China. This state produces more than 30% of the total volume of tomatoes in the world (56.3 out of 177 million tons), almost three times ahead of India, the second largest producer in the world.