PINEAPPLE, PEOPLE, PLANET.

A SMART Materials Project by the Design Center of the Philippines

Pinyapel is a testament to Design Center's quadruple bottomline approach to circular design.It began with the intent of maximizing agricultural waste to improve the livelihood of farmers (prosperity); address concerns on dwindling natural resources and offer alternatives to plastic (planet); collaborate with local enterprises (people); and consequently, show the world what the creative and design mind of the Philippines can do (purpose).

Waste pineapple leaves transformed into sustainable, locally-made specialty paper.

Pinyapel is a project under Design Center’s Materials Research and Development Program. The program explores the potential of agricultural waste and overlooked resources as raw materials for various product applications. Continuing research and materials manipulation reveal new possibilities for indigenous materials, thereby strengthening its impact on the design and value of Philippine products.

Pinyapel is a showcase of ingenuity, resourcefulness, collaboration, and creativity—its impact and purpose multiplied through the generosity and strength of the community.It is a merging of the handmade and the machine, the artistry of our crafts and efficiency of technology, and our individual and collective passion to make a difference. With pinyapel, we found something valuable and meaningful that connects us. It is a quest to make our communities and the environment better. It is the celebration of a well-designed life.

Revisit Pinyapel’s Pioneering CollaborationMade from discarded pineapple leaves, Pinyapel is a locally processed and manufactured paper with the aim of providing environmentally friendly, commercially viable solutions to single-use plastics. This circular design solution hopes to inspire more initiatives for sustainable living and continue to spur homegrown innovation.2019 Partners:
- Nature’s Fresh Pineapples (discarded pineapple leaves supplier)
- CDO Handmade Paper Crafts (paper sheet processor)
- Ideatechs Packaging Corporation (paper converter to food packaging applications)“What we also want to show through this project is really the Filipino value of ‘malasakit’ or the compassion on what we do with the Earth, what we do with our resources to help provide a better future for the planet and the marginalized, as well as how do we provide a unique voice, a unique design perspective in a global discourse of design.” - Executive Director Rhea O. MatutePinyapel is a proud winner of the Wood Pencil at the 2019 D&AD Future Impact Awards under the category Environment and Sustainability. This award provided a yearlong mentorship and training to develop early-stage initiatives.

Revisit Pinyapel’s Pioneering CollaborationMade from discarded pineapple leaves, Pinyapel is a locally processed and manufactured paper with the aim of providing environmentally friendly, commercially viable solutions to single-use plastics. This circular design solution hopes to inspire more initiatives for sustainable living and continue to spur homegrown innovation.2019 Partners:
- Nature’s Fresh Pineapples (discarded pineapple leaves supplier)
- CDO Handmade Paper Crafts (paper sheet processor)
- Ideatechs Packaging Corporation (paper converter to food packaging applications)“What we also want to show through this project is really the Filipino value of ‘malasakit’ or the compassion on what we do with the Earth, what we do with our resources to help provide a better future for the planet and the marginalized, as well as how do we provide a unique voice, a unique design perspective in a global discourse of design.” - Executive Director Rhea O. MatutePinyapel is a proud winner of the Wood Pencil at the 2019 D&AD Future Impact Awards under the category Environment and Sustainability. This award provided a yearlong mentorship and training to develop early-stage initiatives.

"I think the Pinyapel project is a very viable initiative to creating new products and many more interesting designs for the world market." - Gigi Gonzales, GSG by Flora CreativesIn Part 1: Partners in Craft, two companies in Albay, GSG by Flora Creatives and RCB Crafts and Designs, show how meaningful collaboration can sustain local crafts. Meanwhile in Davao, TADECO Home continues to create new applications for pineapple fiber for home products and weaving.

“Pinyapel has potential. We didn't think this could be transformed into something valuable." - Pete Delantar, Nature’s LegacyIn Part 2: Art of Innovation, Oro Handmade Innovations in Mindanao, Nature’s Legacy in the Visayas, and MASAECO Inc. in Luzon explore the possibilities of Pinyapel and Pinyapulp through material innovation and product development.

"With the Pinyapel project, we can help a lot of farmers increase their revenue by upcycling the waste pineapple leaves into something useful." - Helen Lising, Ideatechs Packaging Corp.In Part 3: Press Forward, Plastics by Manila Automat and Ideatechs Packaging Corp. present eco-friendly product solutions that serve the needs of an emerging conscious consumer.

"What we need are partners who will have the same appreciation for developing what it is we already have in our country, that is good for sustainability and closing the loop on fashion." - Director Celia Elumba, DOST-Philippine Textile and Research InstituteIn Part 4: Future Fabric, stakeholders in the local textile and fashion sectors work together to bridge gaps in industrial production of woven and nonwoven fabric from pineapple fibers. This highlights the role of DOST-PTRI in building a robust textile industry, together with Creative Definitions, I Am JUANA Clothing, and Asia Textile Mills, and Ananas Anam Philippines.

"Through design and design thinking, we really challenge the notion of the linear economy and to really close the loop." - Executive Director Rhea Matute, DTI-Design Center of the PhilippinesIn Part 5: Designing Possibilities, Creating Value, Rhea Matute and Pinyapel Flagship Project - SSX 2022 Creative Director Tony Gonzales shares their thoughts on what makes a good collaboration, sustainability, developing Pinyapel as a sustainable material.

Product Development Partners

Raw Material Processors

DOST – Philippine Textile and Research InstituteDOST – Industrial Technology Development InstituteDA – Philippine Fiber Industry Development AuthorityAnanas Anam Phils.Asia Textile Mills Inc.Small Piece of Paper

Raw Material Suppliers

Nature’s Fresh Pineapples Inc. / Asian HybridT’boli Farm Growers Multi-Purpose Coop**Shalom Fiber Growers Association **Labo Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative

Pinyapel Team

Design Center of the Philippines
Executive Director
Maria Rita O. Matute
Creative Director
Tony GonzalesMary Josephine R. Cruz
Rose Marie O. Mendoza
Rolyn Lomocso
Cristine Nazareth
Lemuel Abron
Lee Villanueva
Pia Lorraine San Luis
Romil Tausa
Joyce CadungogDesigners
Tony Gonzales
Tes Pasola
Wataru Sakuma
Jon Anasco
Maria Francesca Nicole Cabanlet
Lulu Tan Gan
Cristine Nazareth
Clark MendozaD&AD Trustee,
Impact Jury President 2020
Pinyapel Mentor
Kwame Taylor-HayfordPhotographed and videographed by
First Light Studio TeamWritten by
Dang SeringLookbook Art Direction and design by
Plus63

  • Address: Sitio Poking, Brgy. Labueg, Kapangan, Benguet Province

  • Email Address: [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Asao Shimura - Artist

  • Contact Number: +63.908.417.7776

  • Website: https://pinashifu.jimdofree.com/

  • Product Sector: Fashion

  • Finished Product: Handwoven Kimono Jacket

  • Address: Kabankalan, Negros Occidental

  • Email Address: [email protected]; [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Michael Claparols – Co-founder

  • Contact Number: +63.998.581.8100

  • Website: https://www.creativedefinitions.com/

  • Product Sector: Fashion

  • Address: Daraga-Legazpi City-Tiwi Camarines Sur Road, Ziga Ave., San Lorenzo, Tabaco City, Albay 4511

  • Email Address: [email protected]; [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Rochelle Briones – Owner

  • Contact Number: +63.955.306.5088

  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/RCB-CRAFTS-108243347647115/

  • Product Sector: Home and Fashion

  • Finished Product: Bags, Baskets, Macrame Lamps

  • Address: 27 P Quiambao St., Tierra Bella, Quezon City, Metro Manila

  • Email Address: [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Jon Añasco – President/CEO

  • Contact Number: +63.917.831.7532

  • Website: https://juana-clothing-ph.myshopify.com/

  • Product Sector: Fashion

  • Finished Product: Smart casual and Office Smart wear

  • Address: Araneta Executive Village, Potrero, Malabon

  • Email Address: [email protected]; [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Helen Lising – President

  • Contact Number: +63.919.629.9993

  • Website: https://greenpak.ph/

  • Product Sector: Packaging

  • Finished Product: Coffee sleeves with cup, Corrugated sleeves, Churro Holder, Bag, Origami Packaging

  • Address: Nuestro Residence, Brgy. Carasuchi, Indang, Cavite

  • Email Address: [email protected]; [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Wataru Sakuma – President and Creative Director

  • Contact Number: +63.917.519.1979

  • Website: http://masaecopaper.com/

  • Product Sector: Home

  • Finished Product: Tapestry, Rock bowl, Wall Panels

  • Address: Area 77, P. Remigio St. Banilad, Mandaue, Cebu 6014

  • Email Address: [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Pete Delantar – President and Chief Executive

  • Contact Number: +63.917.700.4201

  • Website: https://www.natureslegacy.com/

  • Product Sector: Home

  • Finished Product: Planters. Vases

  • Address: Daang Hari Rd. corner Ilang-Ilang, Las Pinas 3 Cielito Road, Intercity Homes, Cupang, Muntinlupa City

  • Email Address: [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Tony Gonzales – CEO

  • Contact Number: +63.917.531.4257

  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/OneOfT.ph

  • Product Sector: Home

  • Finished Product: Lamps, Art Toys

  • Address: Barra Opol, Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro

  • Email Address: [email protected]; [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Lolita Cabanlet – General Manager

  • Contact Number: +63.947.890.2988

  • Website: https://indigenous.ph

  • Product Sector: Home and Packaging

  • Finished Product: Paper strip wraps, Folded Lamps, Collapsible Packaging, Flat-Packed Packaging

  • Address: Xavierville II Alvero Gate, Brgy. Loyola Heights, Quezon City

  • Email Address: [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Mica Agregado – Founder and Creative Head

  • Contact Number: +63.917.775.2159

  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/plastics.manila.automat

  • Product Sector: Home

  • Finished Product: Tiles, Lamps, Wall décor, Home décor

  • Address: Daraga-Legazpi City-Tiwi Camarines Sur Road, Ziga Ave., San Lorenzo, Tabaco City, Albay 4511

  • Email Address: [email protected]; [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Rochelle Briones – Owner

  • Contact Number: +63.955.306.5088

  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/RCB-CRAFTS-108243347647115/

  • Product Sector: Home and Fashion

  • Finished Product: Bags, Baskets, Macrame Lamps

  • Address: Damosa Market Basket, Lanang, Angliongto St., Davao City

  • Email Address: [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Maricris Brias – Founder and Creative Director

  • Contact Number: +63.917.311.7249

  • Website: https://www.tadecohome.com/

  • Product Sector: Home

  • Finished Product: Paper weaves – soft cubes, bilao, bayong, New scrunch, Sinamay Lamp, Bastidor Lamp

  • Address: Km. 534 National Road Sto. Domingo, Albay

  • Email Address: [email protected]

  • Contact Person: Ann Hernandez – Manager

  • Contact Number: +63.917.532.8965

  • Website: https://www.weavemanila.com/

  • Product Sector: Home

  • Finished Product: Carpet

Pinyapel Products

Pinyapel Lookbook

This lookbook aims to share the story of an idea now making its way into the world in the form of these products. These objects also serve as a springboard to imagine a journey of thoughtful, innovative processes. Through this storytelling of a day in a life, we engage with the audience a world that can take shape sooner than we think. We hope this presents a bigger picture and highlights a collective mindset that leans towards good design and sustainability as a way of living.

Pinyapel Swatch Box

Pinyapel Swatch Box is a collection of the different materials produced from pineapple wastes by the Design Center of the Philippines' collaborators.

Pineapple Biocomposite Tile

Biocomposite tile made from compounded Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF) waste, Pinyapel, and Pinyapulp with PLASupplier: Plastics by ManilaSpecifications: 40 x 70 cm (Actual size in supply); approx. 650 grams/pc

Pineapple Yarn

Pineapple-cotton blended yarns made from 30% pineapple fibers and 70% cotton.Supplier: Creative DefinitionsSpecifications: 10Ne/2 size; 1.4 kg

Twined Pineapple Paper

Twined pineapple paper from 100% fibersSupplier: GSG by Flora CreativesSpecifications: Twined from flat ribbon width of 2 in.

Pineapple Rope

Made from 100% Pineapple fibersSupplier: GSG by Flora Creatives

Pineapple Biocomposite Pellets

Biocomposite pellets made from compounded Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF) waste, Pinyapel, and Pinyapulp with PLASupplier: DOST - Industrial Technology Development Institute

Pineapple Pulp

Loosed pulp made from 100% pineapple fibersSupplier: GSG by Flora Creatives

Handwoven Pineapple Mat

Handwoven mats using twined pineapple paperSupplier: GSG by Flora CreativesSpecifications: 45-60 cm in width (Actual size in supply)

Woven Pineapple Fabric

Machine-woven fabric made from 30% pineapple fiberSupplier: Creative DefinitionsSpecifications: 139.7 cm in width (Actual size in supply)

Pineapple Paper 110 gsm

Paper made from 100% pineapple fibersSupplier: GSG by Flora CreativesSpecifications: 68 x 91 cm (Actual size in supply)

Pineapple Paper 105 gsm

Paper made from 100% pineapple fibersSupplier: MASAECO Inc.Specifications: 106 x 270 cm (Actual size in supply)

Pineapple Paper 70 gsm

Paper made from 100% pineapple fibersSupplier: MASAECO Inc.Specifications: 106 x 270 cm (Actual size in supply)

Embossed Pineapple Paper
105 gsm

Emboss paper made from 100% pineapple fibersSupplier: MASAECO Inc.Specifications: 106 x 270 cm (Actual size in supply)

Embossed Pineapple Paper
70 gsm

Emboss paper made from 100% pineapple fibersSupplier: MASAECO Inc.Specifications: 106 x 270 cm (Actual size in supply)

Pinyapel 90 gsm

Specialty paper from 100% pineapple leaves that is reinforced and print-viableSupplier: Oro Handmade InnovationsSpecifications: 70 x 100 cm (Actual size in supply)

Non-woven Pinyapel Fabric

Needle punch fabric made from pineapple fibersSupplier: Creative DefinitionsSpecifications: 152.4 cm in width (Actual size in supply)

Piñatex Red

Coated non-woven pineapple fabric from pineapple fibersSupplier: Ananas Anam PhilippinesSpecifications: 162.5 cm in width (Actual size in supply)

Piñatex Black

Coated non-woven pineapple fabric from pineapple fibersSupplier: Ananas Anam PhilippinesSpecifications: 162.5 cm in width (Actual size in supply)

Piñatex Yellow

Coated non-woven pineapple fabric from pineapple fibersSupplier: Ananas Anam PhilippinesSpecifications: 162.5 cm in width (Actual size in supply)

Piñatex Brown

Coated non-woven pineapple fabric from pineapple fibersSupplier: Ananas Anam PhilippinesSpecifications: 162.5 cm in width (Actual size in supply)

Piñatex Green

Coated non-woven pineapple fabric from pineapple fibersSupplier: Ananas Anam PhilippinesSpecifications: 162.5 cm in width (Actual size in supply)

Pineapple Pulp Board 650g

Pressed pulp made from 100% pineapple fibersSupplier: MASAECO Inc.Specifications: 40 x 70 cm (Actual size in supply) approx. 650 grams/pc

Pinyapulp Board 650g

Pressed pulp made from 100% pineapple fibersSupplier: MASAECO Inc.Specifications: 40 x 70 cm (Actual size in supply) approx. 650 grams/pc

Pinyapulp Board 200g

Pressed pulp made from 100% pineapple fibersSupplier: Oro Handmade InnovtionsSpecifications: 30 x 48 cm (Actual size in supply) approx. 200 grams/pc

D&AD Award

Pinyapel is a proud winner of the Wood Pencil at the 2019 D&AD Future Impact Awards under the category Environment and Sustainability. This award provided a yearlong mentorship and training to develop early-stage initiatives.

Index Award 2023 Nomination

🍍Pinyapel scored a nomination in the Community category for this year's The Index Project!Pinyapel's latest nomination by a globally recognized award-giving body, The Index Project, reinforces its commitment to #sustainablepractices.The product has consistently pushed the boundaries of sustainability and innovation, making it a worthy contender for The Index Project's award. The product positively impacts the environment and has the potential to revolutionize the packaging and product industry in the country.Learn more about the nomination here: https://theindexproject.org/award/nominees/7918

Features & Highlights

Engagements & Participations

My Liveable City Magazine Feature

Andrea Benatar explores how craft allows us to reconnect our material making process with our natural environment.

The Philippine Printer Publication Feature

The Philippine Printer, the official publication of the Printing Industries Association of the Philippines, featured Pinyapel for their July-August 2022 issue.

Liwanagan Sa Diliman:
The Official Newsletter of the United Architects of the Philippines

PMG Market 2.0: An Innovation and Sustainability Expo

Pinyapel was lauded together with other sustainable products and materials featured at the recent PMG Market 2.0: An Innovation and Sustainability Expo held at the SM Aura on August 3 and 4, 2022.

In photo is Mohita Gulati, the Client Servicing Director of PMG Asia, and Account Director Padotte Young, proudly parades Lakat shoes, also made of Pinyapel. “The Lakat shoes exemplify re-purposing materials into innovative design into sustainability,” says Mohita.

Also in the photo are PMG Group Chief Executive Kong Man Haw and Managing Director Prashant Kaul, who likewise take an interest in Lakat shoes.

In support of innovation and sustainability, Design Center’s Executive Director Rhea Matute presented the center’s design-driven sustainability initiatives.ED Rhea emphasized that being a designer demands not only designing products but also designing the future of the products. “As we design the future of products, we are likewise re-imagining, re-designing productions, systems, and the materials we use”
The PMG Market 2.0 is a convergence of Philippine vendors that showcase their innovative and sustainable solutions for print, POSM, and Promotions.

International Design Conference 2022: Future For All

Last October 14 and 15, 2022, Pinyapel had a special product setting along with Bakong, another SMART material project by the Design Center of the Philippines, during the International Design Conference 2022: Future For All at UP Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.Pinyapel's setting featured products such as the Lakat Shoes, Ikat fabric dress, bags, vases, stools, and art toys. The Pinyapel swatch box was also included.The International Design Conference is the biggest design conference in the Philippines. The event was co-presented by the Tourism Promotions Board and supported by the British Council.

Sustainability Solutions Exchange 2022

The Design Center believes that good design is rooted in SMART materials.In the maiden edition of the Sustainability Solutions Exchange, the national agency for design launched industrial and artisanal applications of two native materials, Bakong and Pinyapel, with a view to usher in a new way of looking at consumption, production, and circularity.

Pinyapel Setting Launch at the Senate of the Philippines

The Design Center of the Philippines, together with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, showcased the future of innovative and sustainable products utilizing green pulp and paper across both artisanal and industrial categories during the relaunch of the Pinyapel Special Setting at the Session Hall at the Office of the Senate of the Philippines.The launch also highlighted the current state of the pulp and paper market and the investment opportunities in establishing mechanized pinyapel pulp mill facilities. These facilities aim to produce non-wood pulp from pineapple plantation waste, with the goal of promoting investment in Pinyapel Pulp Industrialization and advocating for a Greener Future.RELATED ARTICLES:
- Use of 'pinyapel' pulp pushed as alternate to plastics by Philippine News Agency
- Legarda opens Pinyapel Pulp exhibit in the Senate by Senator Loren Legarda
- Legarda opens Pinyapel exhibit by Senate of the Philippines

Pinyapel at the American Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Following U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo's two-day Presidential Trade and Investment Mission (PITM) was a farewell luncheon and exhibit at the Ayala Museum on 12 March 2024 attended by several embassy officials, top business executives, and other distinguished guests.The Design Center team, in collaboration with designer-artist Sir Tony Gonzales, curated an exhibition that aimed to showcase Filipino craftsmanship and innovation. Part of the feature were pinyapel artisanal and industrial products showcased through a special setting and Bakong Spiderlily Collection pieces alongside renowned designers and companies such as TADECO Home, Philux, and Valdes Designs.

Pinyapel at the IPOPHIL Gawad Yamang Isip Awards

The IPOPHL’s Gawad Yamang Isip Award is the country’s most prestigious Intellectual Property (IP) award. It is conferred to Filipino individuals and institutions that helped improve Filipino’s quality of life through innovation and creativity while promoting the importance of IP. The Gawad Yamang Isip recognizes Filipinos who have shown distinct ingenuity and talent in their specific fields using the IP system in the process. The 2024 GYI puts the spotlight on Filipinos whose inventions, innovations, and works are aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The Design Center of Philippines was requested to setup the Pop-Up Exhibition for Bakong and Pinyapel at the IPOPHL’s Gawad Yamang Isip Award on 29 April 2024 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. The exhibit featured materials developed under SMART Materials Research and Development Program that converts local raw materials and agricultural wastes into next generation material alternatives that are building blocks of sustainable and regenerative design that impact the environment, the economy and local communities.RELATED ARTICLES:
- Design Center earns again recognition at 2024 Gawad Yamang Isip Awards by SMNI News Channel

Pinyapel Investors Forum

The Design Center of the Philippines, in partnership with the Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG) and in celebration of the National Exporter’s Week through the Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), embarks on a journey that transcends conventional boundaries, uniting esteemed industry partners, visionaries, financiers, and government at the forefront of innovation in collectively shaping the future landscape of nonwood pulp investment opportunities.The Pinyapel Investor Forum provides a captivating discourse on the endless possibilities of pinyapel – a locally made paper from discarded pineapple leaves initially designed for artisanal crafts that is now ambitioned towards industrial-scale application through a transformative investment in a pioneering mechanized pinyapel pulp mill that would position the Philippines as a hub for globally competitive, sustainable and innovation driven manufacturing and services industry.

Pinyapel Investors Forum
Event Briefer

Pinyapel Investment Memorandum, Market Study,
& Pre-Feasibility Study

Work with Pinyapel

We are always looking for ways to expand the use of Pinyapel. Get in touch with us if you can supply or process the raw materials, or if you'd like to use it for your designs.Click the button below or email us at [email protected].

Work with Design Center

Work with us or get to know more about the Design Center and its programs at [email protected].