𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

By Sonam Choden

For generations, pineapple farming has been a staple of this region, providing both sustenance and income to local farmers. However, while the fruit itself holds considerable economic value, its leaves have long been discarded as agricultural waste. That is, until one entrepreneur saw potential in what others overlooked.

Tashi Wangchuk, an innovative entrepreneur, is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to transform pineapple leaves into a sustainable alternative to traditional leather. By extracting fibers from the leaves and converting them into a durable, biodegradable material, he aims to revolutionize the fashion industry while promoting environmental responsibility. His venture is not just reshaping local economic dynamics but also contributing to the global movement for eco-friendly alternatives in textile production.

Unlike many entrepreneurs who draw inspiration from existing innovations, Tashi’s journey began with a simple yet powerful observation. Having worked in pineapple farming for years, he recognized the vast amount of unused material in the form of discarded leaves. “I wasn’t inspired by anyone,” he shared. “I just saw an opportunity to turn waste into something valuable. By processing these leaves, we can create a sustainable product that benefits both the environment and the community.”

Durungri’s pineapple fields span 67 acres, generating an abundance of raw material that would otherwise go to waste. Tashi saw this as an opportunity to address two critical challenges- reducing agricultural waste and creating a viable business model. His innovation aligns with the principles of the circular economy, ensuring that no part of the pineapple plant goes unused.

The concept of plant-based leather is not new, but using pineapple leaves as a raw material is a relatively recent development gaining traction worldwide. Known as “Piñatex” in commercial markets, pineapple leather is biodegradable, upcycled, and free from the environmental burden of synthetic or animal leather production. According to Tashi, pineapple leather is more sustainable than synthetic alternatives, which are often derived from plastic, or conventional leather, which requires significant land, water, and chemicals to produce.

By tapping into this overlooked by-product, Tashi’s business seeks to create a circular economy where agricultural waste is repurposed into high-value materials. The extracted fiber is spun into yarn before being transformed into leather through an eco-friendly process that minimizes environmental impact.

Despite the promising potential, the project remains in its early stages, with the initial focus on producing high-quality pineapple fiber. “We have been working hard to process the fiber into high-quality yarn, which will serve as the foundation for the leather we hope to make in the future,” Tashi explained. Ensuring the durability and scalability of the raw material is a crucial first step before advancing to full-scale leather production.

The next phase involves converting the fiber into leather, but financial constraints pose a significant challenge. Acquiring the necessary machinery requires a substantial investment, making it difficult to scale production at this stage. “We are starting small with the yarn, and once we have the necessary equipment, we will be able to create the leather,” Tashi stated. Until then, he is focused on securing grants and developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) as a stepping stone for future expansion.

One of the defining aspects of Tashi’s initiative is its strong connection to the local farming community. The raw materials for the leather are sourced directly from Durungri’s pineapple farmers, who have been integral to the region’s economy for decades. By working closely with them, Tashi aims to provide a stable income and a new revenue stream through the ethical sourcing of pineapple leaves.

“The goal is to support the farmers while also providing them with a new, sustainable source of income,” he emphasized. “I have been engaging with them directly to ensure that the sourcing process is responsible.” This partnership strengthens the economic foundation of the community while fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
As the demand for ethical, eco-friendly materials continues to grow, Tashi believes pineapple leather has the potential to become a mainstream product. However, raising consumer awareness remains a challenge. While eco-conscious consumers, NGOs, and designers are familiar with plant-based leathers, making pineapple leather more accessible and widely accepted is a key hurdle.

“We are not trying to reinvent the wheel; we are just making it better,” he said. “Pineapple leather is already a known material, but the challenge is making it available. That’s where partnerships with local organizations and NGOs come in. We want to make it easy for people to access, and by doing so, we can promote a more sustainable, ethical future.”
Currently, the venture is on the verge of launching its MVP, with cautious optimism about the future. If successful, the initiative could redefine sustainable fashion, support local farmers, and reinforce Bhutan’s growing role in environmentally responsible innovation.

Tashi’s work stands as a testament to the power of innovation, demonstrating how one person’s vision- coupled with collaboration from farmers, designers, and consumers- can transform waste into opportunity and pave the way for a more sustainable future.