What is Piñatex?
- Soho Francotte
- May 25
- 2 min read
Piñatex, One of the First Leather Alternatives to Emerge!
The journey of Piñatex, much like my own, begins in the Philippines where pineapple leaves, considered waste from the agricultural industry, are collected.
From these leaves, fibers are extracted to create a non-woven substrate. Farmers, of course, receive supplementary income for collecting these leaves, which would otherwise be burned on site.
Following this, the finishing steps take place in Spain, where this substrate then becomes Piñatex.
Good to know:
Developed by Ananas Anam, Piñatex is a superb alternative to leather (whose tanning process, besides animal suffering, poses significant human, environmental, and social problems) and to petroleum-based textiles, and is completely cruelty-free.
Since the leaves are agricultural waste, no additional agricultural land is needed for its production.
The dyes used are GOTS certified and the resins comply with AFIRM standards. Piñatex is also PETA, REACH, and VEGAN certified.
Just like leather, Piñatex is not naturally biodegradable (because, no, a leather shoe doesn't disintegrate at your feet).
The good news is that Piñatex is strong, made to last, and can also be recycled.
Nowadays, Piñatex is used in the manufacturing of shoes, as well as in the automotive sector where car seats are covered with it. It's also used in the design of bags and accessories, like those at Lubay. Piñatex is very resistant and robust, designed for a long lifespan.
How to care for a Piñatex accessory?
The golden rule for any accessory is the same: regular care. But how, you might ask.
Even though Piñatex is water-resistant, Ananas Anam advises waterproofing your item or accessory with a colourless spray designed for textiles.
To clean it, simply use a soft cloth, a little lukewarm or warm water, and some natural soap, and gently rub the surface in circular motions.
Never immerse your item in water, nor dry clean or machine wash it.
After this step, let it air dry in a dry place.
Never use a hairdryer, radiator, or direct sunlight to reduce drying time.
Ananas Anam also recommends applying a small amount of colourless plant-based wax or coconut oil to the dry, clean textile.
Allow the item to dry for 24 hours, then gently rub a soft, dry cloth over the textile surface to polish it.
Our Mechelen Bag in Piñatex - out in 2022
