Honorable Mention NorthPanas Textile from Pineapple FiberAdding value to pineapple leaves to boost community incomes
Thaiherb at Chiangrai Co., Ltd.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is known for its pineapples, with farmers harvesting their crops only once a year. However, if the price of the product falls or if the harvest is not good, the farmers suffer. In addition, most farmers tend to set fire to the farm scrub, including pineapple leaves, which creates dust, smoke and pollutes the air. Hence, Mrs.Poungrat Sangpench, deputy managing director of Thaiherb at Chiangrai Co., Ltd., took note of these two pain points and decided to solve the problem by using pineapple leaves to develop fibers under her Panas brand. Her innovation does not just add value to waste materials, but can also boost the income of people in the community all year round.
The highlight of Panas textile is that is woven using fiber made from Batavia pineapple leaves. Since the fiber has high viscosity, it can absorb color four times more than cotton. It also has a natural sheen, gets softer after washing and is 100% organic as it is made from organic pineapple leaves.
Apart from Batavia pineapple leaves, the company also converts the leaves of locally grown plants like teak, peka, cocoa and fang as well as roses into fiber, which is then woven to create clothes, hats, bags, jewelry, etc. Nanotechnology is used to enhance the properties of the textile in terms of odor and resistance to water. The fiber is woven along the traditional “Lai Nam Lai” pattern unique to the Chiang Khong people.
“The advantage of this fabric is that it is softer and more comfortable than cotton. It also has a silk-like sheen but is far less expensive and more durable. In addition, this fabric is easy to take care of, is breathable and absorbs moisture well. It is also not heavy and is environmentally friendly. The fabric is designed with beautiful and elegant Lanna patterns, clearly signifying the Chiang Khong people,” Mrs. Poungrat said.
The creation of this fabric has improved the quality of life for people in the community, giving them jobs and regular income. Previously, they used to sell regular cotton at 150 baht per meter, but this new innovative fiber brings them up to 800 baht per meter. If woven into fabric, it can bring as much as 2,500 baht per meter.
The products are currently only sold via online channels but there are plans to distribute the yarn among Hmong communities or handicraft groups. The fiber will also be woven into fabric to match the demand.
InnovationBatavia pineapple leaves, which are an agricultural waste in Chiang Rai, are transformed into fiber before being woven into soft and durable fabric. The fiber is dyed using a special technique for long-lasting color before being woven into traditional patterns of the Chiang Khong people called “Lai Nam Lai”. This fabric is then used to make clothes, hats and bags. Nanotechnology is applied to the fabric to make it water-repellent and fragrance added to make it aromatic. This product matches the current eco-friendly trend among today’s customers.
GrowthRaising awareness and selling the yarn to Hmong communities or handicraft groups, as well as weaving to match demand from customers who want fabric at an affordable price.
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