Piñatex Performance

A low impact fabric collection with optimized durability (abrasion resistance and water repellency) while using over 60% renewable content. It consists of 46% PALF (Pineapple Leaf Fiber), 36% PU (polyurethane), 12% PLA (Polylactic Acid), and 6% Bio PU. It is made using natural fibers derived from agricultural waste, requiring no extra land, water, or pesticides, unlike virgin natural fibers. In addition to the environmental benefits, valorizing the agricultural waste of the pineapple harvest provides a new stream of income to the farming communities local to the pineapple farms. The material exhibits improved abrasion resistance (moderate Pile Loss on textile starts from 150000 K cycles), tear and tensile strength (2-3X higher than the original collection) that can meet industry requirements. The first part of the process occurs in the Philippines. The waste leaves of the pineapple plant are collected after the pineapple fruit harvest, which otherwise would be burnt or left to rot. Fibers are extracted from the waste pineapple leaves through a mechanical process called decortication. These fibers are then cut to a consistent length and blended with PLA fibers (from corn). This blend is formed into a non-woven mesh known as Piñafelt. The rolls of Piñafelt are then shipped to Italy where the topcoat is applied to give it the desired color and surface texture, like natural/synthetic leather. The material is supplied by the meter in a 1.4 m (55.12 in) wide roll and is about 2.5 mm (~0.1 in) thick. It is sold in 5 different colors: Jet Black, Coffee Bean, Ash Grey, Sand Dune, and Polar White. Custom colors are possible with a MOQ of 300 m (328 yd) per color and custom surface texture for an MOQ of 1,000 m (1094 yd) per surface. The material is widely available at a commercial scale and accessible to all, with a low MOQ to suit smaller designers as well as can be produced in larger quantities for global brands. With a flatter and smoother finish, the material is ideal for use in upholstery, fashion, and automotive industries.