Using pineapple fiber for fashion is not new. The finest kinds of barong Tagalog and Filipiniana gowns worn at formal events in the Philippines are often made from hand-loomed pineapple leaf fibers. They’re delicate and expensive.
With Piñatex, pineapple leather has become suited for everyday use.The good ol’ pinya is now unbelievably easy to wear.
So what is Piñatex, exactly?
Piñatex is a leather alternative created by textile company called Ananas Anam. It is made from the fibers of pineapple leaves grown in the Philippines. The founder of the company, Carmen Hijosa, flew to the country in the 1990’s to start her research on natural and sustainable materials. Now her product is making waves in the fashion industry.
According to their website, “Piñatex is being made into footwear and fashion accessories and can be used in interiors, furnishings and the car and aeronautic industries.”
The product looks like real leather. Piñatex even caught the attention of popular shoe brands like Camper and Puma.
What’s even better? Because of the rising popularity of the product, pineapple farmers in the Philippines are happy. Ananas Anam is developing a new industry where farmers will be able to sell fibres as a commercial and viable proposition.
Thanks to Piñatex, no one needs to get hurt if you want to buy a leather bag or shoe. We just have to make sure that they sell the products at a reasonable price, and everybody wins.
