The global shift towards sustainable living has led to an exciting wave of innovation in the textile industry. In Vietnam, Bảo Lân Textile and Ecofa Vietnam have emerged as pioneers by introducing eco-friendly Ananas fibers, produced from pineapple leaves—a widely available agricultural byproduct. After over three years of research and development, this breakthrough offers a sustainable alternative to traditional textile fibers, marking a significant achievement in the country’s efforts to promote green living and minimize waste in agriculture.
Pineapple leaves are not a new source of textile fibers; the practice dates back to the 17th century when the fibers were considered a luxurious material. However, the rise of cheap, industrial fabrics gradually pushed pineapple fibers into obscurity. Today, with increasing awareness of the environmental damage caused by fast fashion and non-biodegradable materials, there is renewed interest in sustainable alternatives like Ananas fibers. These natural fibers are a byproduct of the pineapple plant, ensuring that no additional resources are used, and waste is minimized.
Innovations and Challenges in Pineapple Fiber Production
Despite the environmental benefits of pineapple fibers, the production process is no simple feat. One of the biggest challenges in Vietnam has been the lack of advanced machinery and technology required to efficiently extract and process pineapple fibers on a commercial scale. According to a spokesperson from Ecofa Vietnam, transforming pineapple leaves into usable textile fibers took years of trial and error, particularly in perfecting machine-assisted processes.
This process begins with the collection of pineapple leaves, primarily from farmers and cooperatives in regions like Điện Biên, Ninh Bình, Thanh Hóa, Nghệ An, and Tiền Giang. The leaves are harvested after the fruit is collected, meaning that the fibers are a secondary product of pineapple cultivation. Once harvested, the leaves undergo a mechanical process to extract raw fibers of varying lengths and colors. These raw fibers are then refined into a soft, uniform material—referred to as “pineapple cottonized fiber”—ready to be spun into yarn and woven into fabric.
In early 2024, Ecofa Vietnam successfully reached a production capacity of 18 tons of pineapple fibers per month. With an estimated monthly harvest of over one million tons of leaves, this represents a significant achievement for the company. By the end of 2025, Ecofa aims to increase production to 50 tons per month. Such scalability has the potential to generate meaningful economic benefits for local farmers while also addressing environmental concerns by reducing agricultural waste. Additionally, the process of extracting and refining pineapple fibers helps improve soil health by protecting the vital microorganisms that thrive in undisturbed agricultural fields. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the broader global movement towards circular economies and eco-friendly fashion.
Pineapple Fibers and the Global Fashion Industry
Ananas fibers represent a promising material for the global fashion industry. As consumer demand for transparency and sustainability grows, brands are seeking alternatives to traditional fabrics that are not only eco-friendly but also traceable in terms of their environmental impact. One of the key advantages of Ananas fibers is that they can be customized to meet the specific needs of fashion brands, ensuring consistency in quality and performance while allowing for innovation in garment design.
Fashion brands can blend Ananas fibers with other eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo biocell, silk, and wool, creating diverse textile options for jeans, knitwear, towels, woven fabrics, and more. This adaptability enables designers to incorporate sustainable materials into various product categories without compromising quality. Ecofa Vietnam’s collaboration with brands ensures that the fibers meet high performance standards, providing consumers with durable, comfortable, and environmentally responsible options.
Certified Quality and Performance
Ecofa Vietnam’s Ananas fibers are more than just sustainable—they come with a host of beneficial properties that make them an attractive choice for manufacturers. The fibers have been certified by both the Ho Chi Minh City Textile Research Institute (VTRSI-TTC) and the Nissenken Quality Evaluation Center in Japan. These certifications attest to the fiber’s impressive durability, natural deodorizing ability, antibacterial properties, and UV resistance of up to 50+ UPF.
These unique qualities make Ananas fibers particularly appealing in activewear and outdoor clothing, where performance fabrics must be breathable, durable, and protective. The natural UV resistance, in particular, offers significant advantages over synthetic fabrics, which often rely on chemical treatments to provide sun protection.
Sustainability and Economic Impact
The production of Ananas fibers is not just environmentally friendly; it also contributes to the economic well-being of the communities involved in pineapple cultivation. By sourcing leaves from farmers and cooperatives, Ecofa Vietnam is helping to create new income streams for agricultural workers who might otherwise discard the leaves as waste. This initiative supports local economies, particularly in rural areas, while providing farmers with additional financial stability.
Moreover, as the production of Ananas fibers scales up, the benefits extend beyond the local community. The reduction of agricultural waste and the promotion of sustainable farming practices contribute to broader environmental goals. Ecofa Vietnam’s commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint by reducing the use of harmful chemicals and lowering carbon emissions is a key component of its strategy.
Conclusion
The introduction of eco-friendly Ananas fibers by Bảo Lân Textile and Ecofa Vietnam marks a significant step forward in the global movement towards sustainable fashion. By transforming a common agricultural byproduct—pineapple leaves—into high-quality textile fibers, these companies are providing an innovative solution to some of the most pressing environmental challenges faced by the fashion industry today. With their scalable production processes, economic benefits for farmers, and environmentally responsible practices, Ananas fibers have the potential to play a major role in shaping the future of sustainable fashion both in Vietnam and worldwide. As consumer demand for eco-friendly products continues to rise, innovations like Ananas fibers will become increasingly important in the global effort to create a more sustainable, circular economy.