Pineapple leaf fibre (PALF), also known as Piña, is a natural and sustainable textile material that is obtained from the leaves of the pineapple plant. Piña fibre is a plant fibre is commonly found in the Philippines. The fibre is extracted through a process called decortication, where the long fibres are separated from the leaves and then processed into a material that can be used in various textile applications.
Pineapple (Ananas comosus), a perennial plant, is a member of Bromeliaceae family. It is mainly cultivated for their fruits, a production that is prospected to reach 31 million tones worldwide by 2028 with an average increase of 1.9%.
PALF is sometimes combined with silk or polyester to create a textile fabric. The end fabric is lightweight, easy to care for and has an elegant appearance similar to linen piña comes from the leaves of the pineapple plant. Each strand of the hand scrapped piña fibre is knotted one by one to form a continuous filament for hand weaving into the ‘piña cloth’.
The piña fibre is softer, has a high lustre and is usually white or ivory in colour. Piña fiber is a strong and durable material with a shiny, silky texture, which makes it suitable for use in clothing, accessories, and home textiles. It is also a sustainable alternative to traditional textiles, as it is produced using agricultural waste and does not require any additional resources to grow or produce.
Piña fibre has a long history in the Philippines, where it has been used for centuries to create traditional textiles such as the Barong Tagalog, a formal shirt worn by Filipino men. After cutting the leaves, their surface is scrapped, The fibres from inside are gently pulled out. The strands of fibres are again hand scraped and are converted into a long con-tinuous strand. Then follows an industrial process of converting the strand into a suitable and useful textile product. The general look of the fabric made from fibres resembles canvas and can be dyed, printed and also treated to develop different textures. The strength and fineness are nicely combined to make a typical fabric – ‘Barong Tagalog’. The fibre is also used for making table spreads and mats. The fabric is usually lightweight but stiff and normally gives leather-like appearance, and hence is used in making small purses, bags or even shoes.
Properties and Characteristics of Pineapple Leaf Fibre:
Here are some of the key characteristics of pineapple leaf fibre:
1. Strength and durability: Piña fibre is a strong and durable material, which means that it can withstand wear and tear over time. It is stronger than cotton and has a similar tensile strength to silk.
2. Lustrous appearance:
Pineapple leaf fibre has a shiny, silky texture that gives it a lustrous appearance. This makes it an ideal material for creating garments and accessories with a luxurious look and feel.
3. Softness: Despite its strength, Piña fibre is also soft and comfortable to wear. It is not itchy or scratchy like some other natural fibres, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin.
4. Eco-friendly: PALF is a sustainable and eco-friendly material, as it is made from the leaves of the pineapple plant, which are a byproduct of the fruit industry. This means that no additional resources are required to produce the fibre, and it helps to reduce waste.
5. Breathable: It is naturally breathable, which means that it allows air to circulate through the fabric. This makes it a great choice for warm weather clothing, as it helps to keep the wearer cool and comfortable.
6. Absorbent:
Pineapple fibre is also absorbent, which means that it can wick moisture away from the skin. This makes it a great choice for activewear and other garments that need to be moisture-wicking.