Source: trueactivist.com
Published: March 4, 2016
Credit: Piñatex
by: Amanda Froelich
Ethically-minded fashionistas now have a plethora of cruelty-free leather goods to choose from, thanks to the genius of a Spanish company.
Clearly Veg reports that Piñatex has developed a way to use pineapples to create fashionable, durable, and even biodegradable faux-leather products.
Reportedly, the key is processing the pineapple leaves in such a way that the fibers can be transformed into different textiles which mimic the most desired fashions.
Surely, few would be embarrassed to sport a pineapple-based clutch or bag, such as the ones shown in the photos above.
Credit: mosto.se
Piñatex was started by fashion designer Carmen Hijosa, who became inspired to invent the pineapple-based ‘leather’ after she visited the Philippines five years ago. Not only did she witness how leather tanneries operate in the tropical region, she noticed how pineapples were being utilized in traditional clothing. The barong tarong, for example, is a traditional shirt woven with pineapple leaf fibers.
Infused with excitement about the potential of pineapples, she launched a five year research and development mission, which has resulted in the products Piñatex sells today.
Credit: Collectively.org
Even those who don’t eschew meat can get excited about the faux leather products, as they are incredibly environmentally friendly. Each fashion accessory is biodegradable and can be composted when it is time to discard.
Though there is little on the company’s website to explain the process, it can be assumed that because the product is cellulose-based, its exposure to moisture speeds its rate of decomposition. It may not break down quickly, but it will decompose after a length of time.
Another benefit to supporting the company is that the harvesting and processing tend to be done on the pineapple plantations, thus, the company employs locals in the area. In addition, the “biomass” produced from processing the leaves can also be used or sold as fertilizer, which means an extra income source is available to workers.
Credit: Piñatex
If you’re interested in learning more, please visit the company’s website here.