Pineapple fiber is revolutionizing the textile industry!
More than a billion animals are killed each year for leather manufacturing. This industry is also one of the most polluting in the world because of the numerous chemicals used during the manufacturing stages. To address this problem, an “alternative” was created a few years ago: imitation leather. This textile, which does not use any products of animal origin, might seem to be an alternative to traditional leather, but in truth, it is composed mainly of PVC, petroleum and plastic, which makes it an equally toxic material for the ecosystem.
Faced with the negative impact of this industry on the environment, Carmen Hojisa, a former expert in leather products, created a sustainable and vegan alternative to this textile: Pinatex , made from organic pineapple leaf fibers. certified B Corp. This idea was born from the use of this fiber, since the 16th century, for the creation of feminine accessories and ancestral Filipino know-how.
The process of making pineapple fiber:
Cooperatives collect waste from pineapple leaves, intended to be burned for the food industry. This recovery of waste makes it possible to reduce CO2 emissions by around 12 kg/m2 . After harvest, natural fibers are extracted from the leaves, then they are washed and dried naturally in the sun. Then, they are mixed with corn-based polylactic acid to create a non-woven mesh that forms a base for this textile and gives it that leather-like appearance . Leftover unused leaves are transformed into fertilizer or natural biofuel to optimize environmental impact. This innovative textile will bring to life the iconic LO NEEL piece: the pineapple perfecto .
LO NEEL , a brand committed to eco-responsibility and respect for animals:
The designers, Loane and Frédérique, aim to create clothes by combining their ecological convictions and their passion for fashion. Since its creation, LO NEEL has developed vegan and eco-responsible capsules by decarbonizing the production process as much as possible and by not using any fiber of animal origin. This adventure began with the creation of black and silver pineapple fiber perfectos . Today, this iconic piece has been renewed in new colors and is one of the brand's bestsellers .
