In California, a University of San Diego graduate student has won a $15,000 scholarship to advance her pineapple leaf hair ties.
Sage Dobby, who cofounded Piña Designs based on the idea, won the award after pitching the biodegradable solution to USD’s 7th Annual Fowler Business Concept Challenge.
“We wanted to create a product that helped women have healthier hair, but when they lost that hair tie, it didn’t leave a negative impact on the planet,” Dobby told CBS.
According to the outlet, 15 million hair ties are lost or thrown away daily in the US.
Piña Designs’ process involves stripping the pineapple leaves before sun-drying them. Once this is complete, the fibers are spun into yarn and woven into fabric. The hair ties also include natural rubber from rubber trees and organic cotton.
A three-pack sells for $14.99 online and $29.99 for a six pack. The company has sold about $16,000 worth of product so far.