Businesswoman spearheads breakthrough with pineapples that could change the textile industry: ‘We don’t need any land, any water, any pesticides or fertilizers’ The leather industry has a significant negative environmental impact, from the destruction of land for cattle farming, the planet-warming gases produced by agriculture, and the significant water and chemical use in the tannery process. One businesswoman who worked in leather goods for 15 years saw firsthand how unsustainable leather creation is when working in the Philippines. “I really realized going to see a tannery that making leather is not a very sustainable thing,” Carmen Hijosa told CNN. “I realized that my responsibility as a designer was not only to design for the market, but to design for the people and to be able to make an honest product.”

These fibers are then woven into a durable and flexible material that can be used for a variety of applications. The process of creating this alternative leather is not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable. It’s a win-win situation for both the environment and the economy. This innovative approach to leather production has the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry and beyond.

Pinatex is a revolutionary material that is gaining traction in the fashion industry. It is made from pineapple leaf fibers, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather. The material is produced through a unique process that involves removing the leaves from the pineapple plant, separating the fibers, and then weaving them into a durable and versatile fabric.

“To me, it’s to invent something which is really for the greatest good for people and the planet,” she told CNN. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.