The pineapple leaf contains fibres that can be extracted and woven into a fabric. The result is a glossy, ivory colored, silk like though stiffer fabric. Developed in the Philippines where it is known as Piña, it is now of interest as an alternative to silk and more recently in non-woven composites with properties similar to leather.
Uses
- Historically textile fabric has been created in the Philippines using the fibres, sometimes combined with silk.
Potential Uses
- The pineapple leaf fibre 'leather', Pinatex, is under development as a breathable and flexible and suitable to create bags, shoes and accessories, seat coverings and other furnishings. The textile is being further developed for use in clothing.
Processes
- After the fibre from the pineapple leaves is decorticated and washed the farmers hang it up to dry
- Pineapple 'leather' (such as the patented 'Pinatex') is created by felting pineapple leaf fibres from the longest leaves to create a non-woven substrate. ~480 leaves (from ~16 pineapple plants) are needed to create 1 square metre of material.
More Information
- http://ecosalon.com/fiber-watch-its-ripe-time-to-pull-out-the-pineapple-leaves/
- http://www.ananas-anam.com/