Pineapple Leather (Pinatex)
Pineapple leather is a natural cellulose-based non-oven textile fiber made from the leaves of the pineapple tree. It is a petroleum-based resin fiber. From pineapple leather, it is better known as Pinatex. Pinatex is the name of the manufacturer. Those who market this leather.
This Pinatex or Pineapple leather has changed the whole leather industry. We know that leather is made with animal skin. But many chemicals are used to make leather from this skin which is harmful to the environment and people. But Pinatex is a plant-based fiber. It does not need to use toxic chemicals to make it. It is much more durable than animal leather and can be used for many days if made properly. On the other hand, it is much more eco-friendly to be plant-based.
History-
The father of pineapple leather is Dr. Carmen Hijosa. He was the first to invent how to make fiber from pineapple leaves. The Pinatex Company later manufactured it. Ananas Anam is the founder of this company.
Dr. Hijosa worked for a leather company in the Philippines in the 1990s. He saw that the leather that was being made there was not of good quality at all and that the process through which it was being done was harming the environment and those working in the industry. He later quit his job and started researching how to make leather with natural fibers. He saw a lot of pineapple being produced in the Philippines, and after collecting the pineapple, it has many leaves that are being burned. Causing severe damage to the environment. He continued to research the leaf so that he could use it to make fiber. And he studied for seven years and found out that he could use it to make fiber and leather.
Features of Pinatex-
They can use all kinds of colors in Pinatex. The finish of this leather is better than other gulls. It weighs less than other leathers. They can use it with other fibers as it blends easily with other fibers.
The texture of Pinatex is better than other synthetic leathers. Its surface is even better than Slick’s. They can make any design on this leather. Due to its low weight, it is very soft and comfortable later. This leather can be spun, folded, and easily washed.
Usage-
Pineapple fiber is used to make fabrics and yarns. The most widely used of this fiber is in the textile industry. In some countries and regions, this fiber is used in handicrafts and handicrafts. It is also used in making various protective equipment used in factories. The yarn made with pineapple fiber weighs very little and is very silky. In ancient times, this fiber was used to make hand-knitted fabrics. In the Philippines, this fiber was used to make various traditional garments. Very good quality mats are made with pineapple fiber. Very strong bags and table mats are being made. It is also used in making gowns, hand fans, and other fabrics. In India, paper is being made from this fiber. Pineapple fiber is used to finish various pieces of furniture. Artificial leather is being made from pineapple fiber in other countries, including Europe. There is a lot of demand for shoes, pants, belts made from this leather, and this leather does not harm the environment. This fiber is being used to make various metallic jackets.
Last words-
There are 13 million tons of pineapple leaves from pineapple plants all over the world. Which is discarded or burned, but if we can use it, we can reduce the pressure on synthetic leather. We already know that the preparation of synthetic fibers has a very harmful effect on the environment, and it is also known to pollute excess water.
Pinatex, on the other hand, is completely eco-friendly. Pinatex, on the one hand, prevents wastage, and on the other hand, it is a source of extra income for the farmers. Now, if we can reduce the use of synthetic leather and emphasize Pinatex, it will benefit us and our environment.