From pineapple to fabric — Vietnam-based NEXTEVO has big plans for circularity in fashion

Singapore-owned materials science startup NEXTEVO has launched its inaugural production facility in Vietnam Dong Nai Province on 19 June 2024. The facility features state-of-the-art equipment that transforms pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) into ready-to-spin (RTS) fiber using NEXTEVO’s efficient mechanical process for scalable production.

NEXTEVO is a zero-waste startup in Southeast Asia dedicated to transforming agricultural “by-products” at scale into sustainable value-added materials/products for the fashion and textile industries.

The launch has addressed two environmental challenges plaguing the agricultural and fashion industries. Firstly, agricultural, forestry, and land use contribute 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the improper disposal of agricultural waste, burning unutilised pineapple residues, or letting them decompose releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, and potent greenhouse gases that harm the environment.

Secondly, the fashion industry contributes 10% of global carbon emissions, which significantly degrades the overall environment. The production facility would allow it to achieve its mission of addressing environmental challenges and sustainably transforming agricultural “by-products” into materials and products.

Transforming Textiles through Pineapple Leaf Fiber

In Asia, pineapples symbolise prosperity, while Western cultures associate them with hospitality and luck. But beyond symbolism, pineapple leaves are also compostable and biodegradable and offer sustainable advantages. They possess skin-friendly and breathable properties ideal for innovative fashion and textile materials.

To add, pineapple leaves are a by-product of fruit cultivation, so they do not require additional land, water, or fertilisers. Unlike fibers such as cotton and wool that require dedicated resources, pineapple leaves minimise the environmental impact by leveraging existing agricultural practices and transforming a by-product into a valuable resource.

"The compelling story and benefits of pineapple fiber will surely resonate with consumers and brands alike," said Mr Harold Koh, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NEXTEVO. “We are excited to unveil this sustainable fiber to the textile industry, as we can produce it at scale in our facility to serve our customers consistently.” Koh believes that the facility would enable the company to leverage Vietnam's strong textile industry as the world’s third-largest textile exporter and integrated textile manufacturer.

As an added benefit, 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.

Sustainability on the Rise

Sustainability appears to be a growing trend this year, with many companies actively pursuing sustainability in Singapore, encouraged by national efforts. For instance, at the beginning of the year, DBS Bank announced that all its manned branches would be certified under the BCA’s Green Mark Platinum as part of DBS’s ongoing efforts towards net-zero operations.

Digital platforms such as PropertyGuru, a digital property marketplace, have also adopted sustainability through the use of Green Score in their property listings. This approach sought to address changes in consumer demand, sustainable housing projects, and developments that increasingly value consumers.

Building on the momentum, NEXTEVO is set to make a significant impact with its groundbreaking ‘Ready-to-Spin’ production facility. The facility's launch would enable the company to meet the diverse needs of textile industry customers by producing sustainable fibers such as pineapple RTS fibre, blended yarn, and blended fabric.

NEXTEVO’s dedication to creating a network that enables suppliers, retailers, and customers to foster sustainable natural fiber growth in Vietnam has also improved the livelihoods of farming communities in the Philippines, Indonesia, and East Africa. NEXTEVO also plans to expand in Vietnam and India.

Today, the company is ambitiously working towards cutting its carbon footprint by half in 2028. Additionally, NEXTEVO plans to broaden its scope by incorporating other sustainable natural fibers in the foreseeable future.