I just stumpled over this amazing company, Ananas – Anam, who have set up a vision to have a positive impact on material and manufacturing industry by developing and providing sustainable textiles from; Pineapple production!

In Philippines the leaves from the pineapple trees is a waste product from pineapple production. Ananas-Anam uses the leaves that is otherwise discarded at harvest. The CEO of Ananas – Anam, Carmen Hijosa, began to explore the possibilities to take advantage of these fibers to develop a good alternative to leather. And now after five years of testing and research at the Royal College of Art in London, Hijosa has developed a unique material called Piñatex. There are waxed natural fibers that can be used as a substitute for leather in the production of shoes, clothing and furniture. Puma and Camper has already developed prototype shoes made out of this new material. This development will be interesting to follow. Looking forward on thrying out my first sustainable pineapple shoes!

Ananas-anam – New materials for a new world

”Piñatex™ is produced from the fibers of pineapple leaves which are a by-product of the pineapple harvest. Piñatex™ involves a patented technology that protects both the process and the finished material. While the initial development work leading to Piñatex™ originated in the Philippines, significant research & development is now being undertaken between the UK and Spain. This is specifically to enhance the finishing technology. Piñatex can be used as a leather alternative or textile in the fashion, accessory and upholstery markets.” / www.ananas-anam.com