Discover how an agricultural by-product from pineapples is revolutionising the fashion and design industries
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and ethics, the fashion industry is at the forefront of searching for alternatives to traditional leather.
Piñatex is the game changer product made and developed by Ananas Anam, a company that has transformed agricultural waste into a valuable resource for fashion and design.
But what exactly is Piñatex?
Ananas Anam uses pineapple leaves, an agricultural by-product that would normally be discarded. This approach not only reduces agricultural waste but also provides an additional source of income for pineapple farmers.
The collected leaves are processed through a decortication process to extract natural fibres. These fibres are then washed, dried, and purified to remove any impurities, resulting in a base material ready for transformation.
The purified fibres are transformed into a non-woven material. This step is crucial to obtaining a solid and uniform base that can be further treated to achieve different textures and colours.
The non-woven material is then subjected to various finishing and treatment processes to give it the look and feel of leather. This makes Piñatex not only sustainable but also versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications.
Characteristics and Advantages of Piñatex
Piñatex is made from natural materials, reducing the need for additional resources and minimising environmental impact. Additionally, being biodegradable, it contributes to more efficient waste management compared to synthetic leather.
Due to its structure, Piñatex can be used in multiple sectors, from fashion to furniture and industrial design. The ability to treat it for different textures and colours makes it extremely versatile.
Ananas Anam not only promotes environmental sustainability but also social sustainability. The company works closely with agricultural communities, providing them with new income opportunities through the sale of pineapple leaves. This creates a virtuous cycle benefiting both the environment and people.
Currently, Ananas Anam has collaborated with several well-known brands, but there are still only a few who are choosing to go for a more eco-friendly solution.
Rahui London
Rahui is a brand that stands out in the sustainability landscape, founded in 2018 by Matt and Paul. Their mission is to redefine the perception of sustainability, focusing on the environmental impact of everyday objects. Rahui is committed to reducing the ecological footprint and promoting sustainable practices through their products.
What we want is for our products to have meaning and to be talked about. We hope that people will tell everyone about their Rahui bag and about what it means, and we hope those conversations will make others stop and think. We know that we can have an outsized positive impact by using our products as a way to prompt reflection and change.
Matt and Paul – Co-founders
The brand not only offers eco-friendly solutions but also aims to raise consumer awareness about the importance of making conscious choices. Rahui’s philosophy is based on the idea that every small change in our daily routine can contribute to a more sustainable future. Through innovative design and the use of eco-friendly materials, Rahui strives to demonstrate that sustainability does not have to be a compromise but can be synonymous with quality and style.
When life gives you pineapples turn them in to a great bag!