Cover Pinalina™ is being heralded as a potential solution to the challenge of sustainable raw materials
Pinalina™ is being heralded as a potential solution to the challenge of sustainable raw materials
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On 27 June, at the “Mac Thom” (Wear Pineapple) event celebrating indigenous materials and sustainable fashion, Faslink officially introduced Pinalina™, a premium natural fabric line derived from pineapple leaves. The launch marks a significant milestone in the brand’s ongoing commitment to R&D and the advancement of Vietnamese textile innovation.
As the global textile industry grapples with the need to reduce its environmental footprint, Pinalina™ has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional materials. This home-grown fabric not only reduces dependency on imported resources but also addresses the issue of agricultural waste, particularly the surplus of discarded pineapple leaves. By repurposing this by-product, Pinalina™ creates a closed-loop production model that conserves resources and paves the way for a more sustainable fashion industry in Vietnam.
From agricultural waste to future materials
Raw material scarcity has long hindered Vietnam’s industrial development, especially in textiles and garments, a key sector still reliant on imports. Meanwhile, in the pineapple-growing regions stretching from Tay Ninh to Ninh Thuan, thousands of tonnes of leaves are discarded after every harvest, squandering valuable biomass and harming the environment. Statistics show that in Vietnam alone, huge volumes of pineapple leaves are burned annually post-harvest, releasing carbon dioxide and fine dust into the atmosphere.
Above The dedicated “Wear Pineapple” exhibition
The dedicated “Wear Pineapple” exhibition
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In response, Faslink, a pioneer in sustainable materials, has committed to developing Pinalina™, a fabric crafted from pineapple leaf fibre. The material is sourced and produced entirely in Vietnam by local R&D teams using pineapple leaves gathered from domestic farms. The result is a product that blends indigenous knowledge with innovative applications.
Pinalina™ stands out for its ability to transform agricultural remnants into a practical, eco-conscious textile suitable for use in fashion, garments and even interior design. This dry-process fabric requires no additional farmland, water or fertiliser, and makes exclusive use of discarded pineapple leaves, aligning with the principles of circular agriculture and a bio-based economy.
Above Founder of Ecosoi speaks at the “Wear Pineapple” exhibition
Founder of Ecosoi speaks at the “Wear Pineapple” exhibition
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Beyond its physical properties, Pinalina™ is also the outcome of an Open Innovation approach, applied for the first time in Vietnam’s sustainable textile sector. Instead of working in isolation, Faslink collaborates with key partners to streamline each stage of the production process. Among them is Ecosoi a trailblazer in converting pineapple leaf fibres into natural textiles using a chemical-free mechanical method that reduces emissions and supports rural livelihoods. Another key contributor is Trung Quy, a leading Vietnamese textile manufacturer specialising in knitting, organic and recycled fibres. With credentials including GRS, GOTS, Oeko-Tex and Trust Protocol, Trung Quy ensures eco-conscious production and consistent product quality.
Speaking at the launch, Faslink CEO Tran Hoang Phu Xuan shared: “Pinalina™ is more than a name: it reflects our vision that Vietnamese pineapple fibre can not only deliver sustainable products but also earn a place on the global raw materials map. We hope research institutions and universities will join us in pushing this vision forward.”
Above Faslink founder Tran Hoang Phu Xuan on the potential of pineapple fibre
Faslink founder Tran Hoang Phu Xuan on the potential of pineapple fibre
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This collaborative model enhances the specialisation of each link in the value chain, creating a strong foundation for the systematic and sustainable commercialisation of Vietnam’s domestic raw materials. It also brings Pinalina™ closer to everyday consumers, encouraging a wider shift towards environmentally responsible fashion choices.
Quantifying the impact and sustainability vision of Pinalina™
To support its transparency goals, Faslink and Ecosoi have produced a comprehensive environmental impact report dedicated to Pinalina™. The findings reveal that the fabric significantly cuts CO₂ emissions by replacing the traditional burning of post-harvest pineapple leaves. Its production demands no extra land or irrigation and generates no farming-related emissions—offering a meaningful step forward in green innovation.
The dedicated “Wear Pineapple” exhibition space
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The Pinalina™ production process comprises a carefully optimised sequence designed to enhance resource efficiency and minimise environmental impact. It begins with the collection and initial treatment of pineapple leaves, sourced post-harvest from agricultural regions, followed by thorough cleaning. The core of the process lies in the mechanical extraction of fibre, entirely free of the toxic chemicals often used in conventional fibre production, thereby safeguarding both soil and water resources. Once extracted, the fibres are naturally cleansed and sun-dried, significantly reducing energy demands. They are then strengthened and prepared for weaving, before being spun into roving and transferred to textile partners such as Trung Quy, where the material is crafted into finished fabrics for use in fashion, garments and interior design.
Above Dialogue with farmers at the “Wear Pineapple” exhibition
Dialogue with farmers at the “Wear Pineapple” exhibition
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Thanks to this methodology, Pinalina™’s positive environmental impact is both measurable and compelling. By repurposing discarded pineapple leaves instead of incinerating them, the process helps prevent the annual release of thousands of tonnes of CO₂ into the atmosphere, contributing meaningfully to climate change mitigation. It’s also an exemplary model of conservation: no additional land, water or fertiliser is required, which helps ease the burden on natural ecosystems. Notably, the fully mechanical extraction process eliminates chemical waste altogether, protecting groundwater and preserving soil health. In doing so, PINALINA™ illustrates how the circular economy can transform what was once agricultural waste into something of renewed and lasting value.
Above Trung Quy representative at the “Wear Pineapple” exhibition
Trung Quy representative at the “Wear Pineapple” exhibition
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Beyond its ecological benefits, Pinalina™ also generates tangible economic and social value for farming communities. With each hectare of pineapple, farmers can raise their income by approximately 60 million VND. This not only improves local livelihoods but also reduces the need for harmful practices such as post-harvest burning. Pinalina™ is more than just a new textile, it represents a crucial link between agriculture and industry, where farmers are no longer merely cultivators, but key contributors in the growing value chain of Vietnam’s green economy.
Above Ribbon-cutting ceremony at the “Wear Pineapple” exhibition
Ribbon-cutting ceremony at the “Wear Pineapple” exhibition
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Guided by the ethos of “Materials of the New Era”, Faslink envisions a future where Vietnam’s sustainable materials reach international markets. For the company, sustainability is not just about environmental friendliness, it’s also about resonating with consumers through quality, meaning and the story each fabric tells. Pinalina™ serves as a bold statement: Vietnam has always had the resources. What it needs is the determination and the courage to turn vision into reality.
