Special fiber -Pina fiber

Author -Taslima Akter Oishee, Govt College of Applied Human Science

Pina fiber is a natural fiber which comes from pineapple plant leaves. Pina is a bast fiber extracted from the leaves of the pineapple plant. The fibers are fine, soft and lightweight however are often blended with silk or polyester to make textile material. Leaves are waste material in pineapple production that can be turned into fiber.

History : Pina fiber, highly regarded in the Philippines In the 1700s, pina fabric was worn mainly by less privileged people.  it became a symbol of status among the elite by the 1800s. During the 19th century, the Spanish exported pina fiber as a luxury textile.

Why should we use pina fiber in textile industry?

1. Pina fiber is biodegradable, waste-reducing, and will allow pineapple farmers in the Bangladesh to earn extra income on their crops.
2. The pina fiber is softer, and has a high luster, and is usually white or ivory in color.
3. Pina fiber is a natural fiber. The Red Spanish variety in particular is grown for its high-quality fibers. In Bangladesh, pina fiber can be used in creating traditional textiles such as pina fabric,wedding dress
4. The end fabric is lightweight, easy to care for and has an elegant appearance similar to linen.
5. Since pina fabric is hand loomed by only a few weavers, it is very precious and expensive. It will help in economy.

Process of making pina fabric:

The stem is first crushed and then the fibers are extracted. The extracted fibers are then cleaned and spun into yarn in the factory . Finally the yarn is then used to make the pineapple fabric.

Advantages :

1. Pina fiber blends well with other fibers such as cotton, abaca, and silk.
2. It has a premium feel to it and an even better texture than silk.
3. This is bio-degradable and eco-friendly fiber.
4. It  is easy to wash and care for as it does not require dry cleaning, further minimizing its environmental impact.
5.  Production cost is low.

Disadvantages

1.  Poor fire resistance capacity
2. Lower durability
3.  Variable quality, influenced by weather
4. Restricted maximum processing temperature

End uses :

1. The course pina fibers called bastos are mostly used in making ropes, strings, mats and twines.
2. Home Textiles: Table cloths/linens, mats, rugs, curtains, upholstery, etc.
3. Apparel: The pineapple fabric is also regarded as a luxury textile material and used by the designers to make women’s dresses, men’s shirts and fashion accessories.
4. Pinatex: It is an alternative to conventional leather that is made from cellulose fibers.
5. Pina fiber is often blended with cotton, abaca, and silk to make amazing light and breezy fabrics.

Source-

1. The textile journals
2. Yarnsandfibers.com