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"Green Threads: NEXTEVO's Innovative Pineapple Leaf Fiber Revolutionizes Sustainable Textile Production in Vietnam"
VIVIAN NGUYEN
- Fashion Blogger -
NEXTEVO, a startup based in Singapore specializing in material science, has introduced a sustainable solution to Vietnam's textile industry with its new facility for spinning fibers from pineapple leaves.
Vietnamese designers and fashion brands are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainable fashion, and fabric plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the textile industry. NEXTEVO has officially launched a production facility that transforms pineapple leaves, typically agricultural waste with no added value for farmers, into environmentally friendly fiber. In the Philippines, pineapple leaves are stripped and spun into threads to weave fabric known as piña, traditionally a luxury fabric affordable only by the upper classes due to its handmade nature and popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, unlike traditional piña fabric, NEXTEVO industrializes the process by mechanically converting pineapple leaf fibers into a ready-to-spin material for use in clothing, furniture, and footwear accessories.
The new production site in Đong Nai, Vietnam, will expand NEXTEVO's production scale, utilizing agricultural by-products to create sustainable textile materials and support sustainable initiatives. Positioned strategically near major seaports, Ho Chi Minh City, and vertically integrated textile manufacturers, this location enhances cost efficiency and reduces the need for long-distance domestic transportation, thereby minimizing emissions.
NEXTEVO uses raw pineapple leaf material from the Philippines, Indonesia, East Africa, and soon from Vietnam and India. This diverse and scalable supply chain reduces climate risks and ensures a continuous supply of raw materials. NEXTEVO offers ready-to-weave pineapple leaf fibers, blended fibers, and mixed fabrics, customizable to meet the industry's needs, from raw materials to semi-finished textile products.
The fashion industry significantly contributes to environmental degradation, accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions. NEXTEVO's launch addresses critical environmental challenges facing both agriculture and fashion industries. Pineapple leaves, typically a by-product of fruit cultivation, become valuable resources without additional land, water, or fertilizer usage, providing new revenue streams and improving livelihoods for farming communities. This method minimizes environmental impact by utilizing existing agricultural activities and transforming by-products into valuable resources.
In Asia, the pineapple symbolizes prosperity, while in Western culture, it is associated with hospitality and good luck. Beyond its symbolic meaning, pineapple leaves are biodegradable, skin-friendly, and breathable, making them ideal for sustainable textiles and innovative fashion materials.
Harold Koh, Founder and CEO of NEXTEVO, stated, "The compelling story and benefits of pineapple leaf fiber will undoubtedly resonate with consumers and brands alike. We are excited to introduce this sustainable fiber to the textile industry as we can produce it on a large scale at our facility to effectively serve our clients."
About NEXTEVO:
NEXTEVO is a Southeast Asian startup specializing in material science. Its mission is to transform agricultural waste on a large scale into valuable, sustainably-added materials/products for the fashion and textile industries. The company aims to cut its carbon emissions by half by 2028 and plans to expand its operations by integrating other sustainable natural fibers in the near future.
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