Turning Pineapple Waste into Sustainable Leather: The Story Behind PiLeatha
A Thai innovation is attracting international attention for its approach to sustainable materials. PiLeatha, a leather alternative developed by Evergen Technologies, is made from pineapple leaf fibres and natural rubber. The product is entirely plastic-free, chemical-free, and designed for use in fashion, interiors, and the automotive sector.
The development of PiLeatha is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweechai Amornsakchai, Chief Technology Officer, and Mr. Sorn Duangsuwan, Chief Executive Officer. Their work reflects a broader movement in material science that seeks to repurpose agricultural waste into high-value applications.
“We saw an opportunity in something that had been overlooked for decades—pineapple leaves,” said Dr. Taweechai. “By applying Thai research and innovation, we turned it into a viable, natural material.”
Unlike traditional synthetic leathers, PiLeatha uses no petroleum-based plastics or toxic additives. Colours are derived from herbs, and the material can be freely printed and customised. According to the company, the product offers a lower environmental footprint than conventional leather or PU-based alternatives, while also supporting Thai farmers who supply the raw material.
Evergen Technologies positions PiLeatha not only as a product, but as a business model that connects academic research, local communities, and commercial enterprises. The company sources its raw materials from local agricultural waste and processes them using proprietary methods, offering a circular solution that adds economic value to underused resources.
Advanced Business Magazine recently profiled PiLeatha in a feature titled “Access to Success: When Thai Research Becomes a Global Necessity.” The article outlines the brand’s origins, development process, and future ambitions to scale production and reach global markets.
For readers interested in learning more, the full article is available online at:
www.advancedbizmagazine.com/knowledge/access-to-success/pileatha
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Evergen Technologies continues to explore ways to expand its product range and strengthen partnerships across sectors. As the demand for sustainable materials grows, solutions like PiLeatha highlight the role of Thai innovation in shaping a greener, more responsible future.
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