Piñatex is a vegan leather alternative made by Ananas Anam, from waste pineapple leaf fibre. Unlike other faux leathers, which are traditionally made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and Polyurethane, this material does not use harmful plastics. In fact, the production of Piñatex requires no additional land or chemicals like traditional leathers do.

The use of real leather more obviously poses the question of whether, as a consumer, you are okay with an animal being killed to provide you with clothes, furniture, and accessories. Many excuse the industry as leather is a by-product of the meat industry.

However, its use directly contributes to the profitability of animal factory farms and slaughterhouses. Even “eco-friendly” leathers that claim to source their leathers environmentally cannot claim their title. Farming animals requires vast amounts of water and land space; in the last century 70% of the Amazon rainforest has been cleared to make way for pastures.

Moreover, turning skin into leather requires a huge amount of energy and hazardous chemicals including formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives, oils, dyes, finishes and so on. But this is only the beginning of the long list. The tanning process is also incredibly damaging. Many people who live near tanneries die of cancer, likely caused by the exposure to toxic chemicals.

Piñatex on the other hand describes itself as ‘the most sustainable alternative material commercially available at scale today.’ Within a year they were able to decrease carbon emissions by 42% and their water usage by 78%, while in August 2021 they announced that they have become completely carbon neutral by partnering with the foundation Treedom, helping to plant Ananas Anam forests across six developing countries.

Not only this but the making of Piñatex has saved 264 tons of Co2 being released into the atmosphere, by using 825 tons of waste from pineapple harvests rather than burning it. This is the equivalent to charging more than 33 million smartphones. The use of the material, however, predominantly eliminates the participation in the funding of animal and human harm.

It is not only the meat industry that has a devastating impact on the environment. It is reported that the building and construction industry makes up approximately 40% of the world’s carbon emissions.

These statistics are worrying, and I want to do my part in making a shift to help my industry as well. With major brands such as Tom Dixon, Marici (a luxury fully plant-based bag brand sold at Selfridges) and Nike collaborating and implementing Piñatex into their designs, the use of the material is coming into the mainstream. Vogue describes the fabric as a’ supple, durable, resistant vegan leather’. So really there is no reason for me not to make this change.

Learn more about Pinatex