Developed by Ananas Anam, Piñatex is a natural and sustainable textile made from pineapple leaves. The production of Piñatex not only offers an alternative to leather, but also creates new opportunities for pineapple growing countries; and no extra land, water, fertilizers or pesticides are required to harvest them. The leaves are collected from plantations after the pineapple is harvested, then put through a mechanical process resulting in a durable, non-woven fabric.
Creator Dr. Carmen Hijos grew up in Spain and for years, managed her own company, Chesneau Leather Goods, before one day realizing she could make a textile from the long fibers found in pineapple leaves. Working in the leather industry for such a long time exposed her to obvious questionable practices and lesser ones, such as the ecological damage caused by the tanning process.
According to the company, the average pineapple plant has around 40 leaves in it, and to produce one square meter, 480 leaves (or 16 pineapples) are needed.
In December of 2014, her material made its debut at an exhibition and featured products made by collaborators such as Smith & Matthias, Ally Capellino, Puma, and Camper. Last year Piñatex was awarded the 2016 UK Arts Foundation monetary prize and has been certified as a “Vegan Fashion Label” by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
A selection of companies have created the first products made of Pinatex which are now available to purchase here: www.ananas-anam.com/pinatex/product-range/
