Pineapple leaves, once discarded as agricultural waste, have found a new identity as they are being used as a key resource in sustainable craftsmanship.
In the past, after pineapples were harvested, the leaves were typically discarded or used as animal feed.
However, now these versatile leaves are being transformed into eco-friendly products, offering a new livelihood for artisans and contributing to a greener future.
From waste to wonder
Traditionally, after the pineapple fruit was harvested, its leaves were either left to rot in the fields or used as animal feed. The economic potential of these leaves remained untapped until recent years.
Initially, local women in Madhupur began crafting household items from pineapple leaves on a small scale.
However, the potential for large-scale production became evident when the Mennonite Central Committee Bangladesh, a foreign organization, launched a project in the Jolsotro market of the upazila, focusing on thread production from pineapple leaves.
In 2017, this initiative expanded when BURO Bangladesh established a handicraft factory in Jangalia village, nestled in the forest area.
This factory now provides employment for hundreds of men and women, while also creating new revenue streams for pineapple farmers by repurposing the discarded leaves.
Production process
The transformation from pineapple leaf to thread or handicraft begins with specialized machines that extract fibers from the leaves.
Workers then scrub these fibers, using broken plates and coconut shells before washing and drying them under the sun.
From one kilogram of leaves, about 60 centimeters of strong, durable thread are produced.
While the process is labor-intensive, involving up to 30 workers, the results are impressive. Roughly 100-150 kilograms of fiber can be produced from every 1,000 kilograms of leaves.
The thread derived from pineapple leaves is not just durable but also versatile. It can be twisted into ropes for making various handicrafts, woven into high-quality fabrics, or even used in premium leather products that are now being exported to international markets.
For leaves that are unsuitable for thread production, they are repurposed into items like jewelry boxes, mats, wall hangings, and keyrings, which are in high demand, particularly in China and other developed nations.
Empowering locals
One of the most profound impacts of this initiative has been on the women of Madhupur. Many of them, once working in pineapple fields or nearby forests, have now found stable employment in the handicraft sector, achieving financial independence.
Feroz Miah, a local farmer from Beribaid village, recalls his surprise when he first learned that beautiful products could be made from pineapple leaves.
“Through training, we learned the entire process. Like me, many others are now earning extra income by working part-time alongside their farming,” he said.
Razzak Miah, another farmer, said that each fully grown pineapple plant has about 36 leaves, and once the fruit is harvested, 15-20 of these leaves are cut off, with the remainder removed as new plants start to grow.
Previously, these leaves were left to rot or used as animal feed, but now they are being sold, providing farmers with additional income.
Amir Hamza, assistant general manager of BURO Bangladesh, said that the organisation has been training women to create these stylish products, offering them financial benefits.
He said: “Many of the women now working in the factory previously worked in forests or pineapple farms. Currently, 70 people are employed at the factory, the majority of whom are women from marginalized backgrounds, including divorcees and socially disadvantaged individuals. So far, around 400 workers have received training.”
Hamza also mentioned that the factory currently has ample stock, so production has been temporarily slowed down. However, they have plans to establish a composite factory.
He added that if the local pineapple farms and the government collaborate with BURO Bangladesh, they could further streamline the supply of these products to consumers.
Growing global demand
Rahela Zakir, director of BURO Craft, highlighted the success of showcasing the BURO products at a trade fair in China, where they received significant interest.
Other countries have also expressed a desire to import these eco-friendly products.
Moreover, pineapple leaves that are not suitable for fiber are being used to produce tissue paper, with plans to manufacture one-time-use plates and glasses from other natural materials.
“In essence, nothing from the pineapple plant goes to waste,” she added.
There are also plans to produce one-time-use plates and glasses made from discarded natural materials, which are increasingly in demand in international markets due to their environmentally friendly nature.
