Using natural fibrous material to weave into footwear or clothing is not new; think agave leaves used hundreds of years ago for such needs. However, using the fibrous waste product of pineapple leaves is a new use. There are 20 – 30 leaves per plant now being put to use, from what I recently learned.
Within the Earthshot Report of 2024 was mention of Dr. Carmen Hijosa. This Spanish entrepreneur developed a material to be used as an alternative to leather. Time in the Philippines in the 1990’s was where she saw the abundance of pineapple leaves. She worked to create a textile using that waste product. Many years later she has a company, Ananas Anam. I like their website quote from Dr. Hijosa: “Design is not just about the product. Design is about responsibility.” Pineapple leaves are being used, many local people are employed and there is less waste product as an alternative material is made.
Check out Piñayarn and Piñatex fabric at the Ananas Anas website. While I was thinking to find various fabrics, I was pleasantly surprised to see some BOSS sneakers made with Piñatex.
