Piñatex – new materials for a new world

Ananas Anam has developed an innovative, natural and sustainable non-woven textile called Piñatex.

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.

The fibres that make Piñatex come from pineapple leaves. The fibres are extracted from the leaves in a process called decortication, which is done on the plantation by the farming community. The by-product of decortication is bio-mass, which can be further converted into organic fertilizer or bio-gas. This can bring additional income to the pineapple farming communities. The fibres then undergo an industrial process to become a nonwoven textile, which is the base of our product Piñatex.

Piñatex is breathable and soft, light and flexible, mouldable and easily dyed. It can be printed on and laser cut.Fully tested to clients specs (shoes, bags and upholstery). Piñatex is a by-product of the pineapple harvest, thus no extra water, fertilizers or pesticides are required to produce Piñatex pineapple fibres. Various thicknesses, finishes and applications. Piñakumot (fibre), Piñafelt (non-woven mesh), Piñatex (off-the-shelf finished products) and tailor-made solutions. Process and finished products patented. Piñatex is produced on 218cm or 150cm width textile rolls at a competitive price. Piñatex is tested according to ISO international standards for: seam rupture, tear resistance, tensile strength, light & colour fastness and abrasion resistance.