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NEXTEVO Launches ‘Ready-To-Spin’ Pineapple Leaf Fibre Production Facility In Vietnam

• By  Textile Excellence
• July 01, 2024

NEXTEVO, a Singapore-based materials science start-up, has launched its inaugural production facility in Dong Nai province, Vietnam. This state-of-the-art facility transforms pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) into ready-to-spin (RTS) fibre using NEXTEVO’s efficient mechanical process for scalable production.

NEXTEVO’s addresses two significant environmental challenges

Agricultural, forestry, and land use contribute 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Improper disposal of agricultural waste, like burning unutilised pineapple residues or letting them decompose, releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide and methane, potent greenhouse gases that harm the environment.

The fashion industry also contributes significantly to environmental degradation, responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions.

To address environmental challenges, NEXTEVO's expansion in Vietnam utilises agricultural by-products to create sustainable textile materials and supports sustainable initiatives.

Leveraging Vietnam’s strong end-to-end textile supply chain

Vietnam, the world's third-largest textile exporter, offers a strategic location for NEXTEVO’s debut. Located in Dong Nai, NEXTEVO's new facility benefits from proximity to major seaports, Ho Chi Minh City, and vertically integrated textile manufacturers. This interconnectivity enhances cost efficiency and reduces the need for long-distance inland transportation, minimising emissions.

NEXTEVO sources pineapple leaf fibre from the Philippines, Indonesia, and East Africa, and soon, Vietnam and India. This diverse and scalable sourcing reduces climate risk and ensures a constant supply of raw materials.

NEXTEVO's PALF stands out for its unique advantages

As pineapple leaves are a by-product of fruit cultivation, they require no additional land, water, or fertilisers. Unlike other fibres that require dedicated resources, this method minimises environmental impact by leveraging existing agricultural practices, thereby transforming by-product into a valuable resource.

In Asia, pineapple symbolises prosperity, while Western cultures associate it with hospitality and luck. Beyond symbolism, the leaves are compostable, biodegradable, and offer sustainability advantages. They also possess skin-friendly and breathable properties, making them ideal for innovative fashion and textile materials.

NEXTEVO meets diverse customer needs with types of product materials: Pineapple RTS fibre, processed in-house; blended yarn, and blended fabric. The offerings are customisable for spinners, yarn producers, and brands, allowing flexibility across the industry, from raw materials to semi-finished textiles. This versatility enables their products to serve various applications in apparel, accessories, footwear, home textiles, and automotive interiors.

"The compelling story and benefits of pineapple fibre will surely resonate with consumers and brands alike." said Harold Koh, Founder and CEO of NEXTEVO. “We are excited to unveil this sustainable fibre to the textile industry, as we are able to produce it at scale in our own facility to serve our customers consistently.”

NEXTEVO is dedicated to creating a network that connects suppliers, retailers, and customers, fostering sustainable natural fibre growth in Vietnam and improving the livelihoods of farming communities in the Philippines, Indonesia, and East Africa. Future expansions are planned for Vietnam and India. The company offers products to producers in Vietnam and extends its reach globally through exports. The company is ambitiously working towards its goal of cutting its carbon footprint in half by 2028. Additionally, NEXTEVO plans to broaden its scope by incorporating other sustainable natural fibres in the foreseeable future.

The compelling story and benefits of pineapple fibre will surely resonate with consumers and brands alike. We are excited to unveil this sustainable fibre to the textile industry, as we are able to produce it at scale in our own facility to serve our customers consistently.” - Harold Koh, Founder and CEO, NEXTEVO