In Thailand, researchers at Mahidol University have converted waste pineapple leaves into a leather alternative stronger than polyurethane.
The material is made by extracting the leaves’ fibers, half of which are subsequently treated with sodium hydroxide. The fibers are then made into non-woven sheets coated with natural rubber latex. The sheets are then heated, compressed, and dyed with natural colorings. The process, which is described in more detail in the journal Sustainability, results in material with strong stress-strain curves.
“This research showcases a sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional leather, with the potential to revolutionize the leather industry and contribute to a more environmentally friendly future,” says the Mahidol University study.