Beej launches handbags made from pineapple leaves

Piñatex is a natural non-woven textile made from the leaves of the pineapple plant patented by Ananas-Anam which is based in Spain and headquartered in London. The leaves of the pineapple plant are processed to extract the fiber and then manufactured into a non-woven substrate.

After the pineapple harvest, the leaves are collected and long fibers are extracted using semi-automated machines. The fibers are then washed and dried and transcend into a purification process resulting in fluff like material. The resulting material is then mixed with a corn-based polylactic acid (PLA) and then undergoes mechanical processing to create Piñatex.

Beej’s new innovation has given it a sustainable edge during the course of the pandemic. The brand is known for making sustainable bags, wallets, laptop and iPad sleeves.

Arundhati Kumar, founder of Beej stated that the element that excited her the most wasn’t that the material was vegan but also had a low environmental impact across the manufacturing process. She said that it has been made from agricultural waste and when she saw the initial samples the distinct texture identified itself to accessory designs.

Beej also works with Desserto, which a plant-based leather alternative situated in Mexico and is made out of the Nopal cactus’s pulp. They also use cork leather which is made from the bark of the cork oak tree.

She also stated that Khesh was among the latest materials they have added to their list. It is an upcycled material procured from Shantiniketan, West Bengal which is made by upcycling old cotton sarees that are rewoven.

Sustainability is the core of Beej’s identity. It is a filter that is applied to every decision taken. Their sustainability measures do not end at the product stage. The utilize plastic-free and zero waste packing methods. Every box used for packaging is reusable and upcycled. The material used in the packaging process is made using seed paper and so is the product information card to ensure every process is sustainable.