English 
Thai 
简体中文 
PKRU’s pineapple leaf fiber fabric – a unique product made from agricultural waste
The lecturer from Phuket Rajabhat University's Faculty of Science and Technology adds value to pineapple leaves, which are agricultural waste, by transforming them into pineapple leaf fiber fabric and training locals to create a variety of textile products and tie dye clothing that are offered at a reasonable price.
For many years, Phuket pineapple has been renowned as the island's identical fruit. The fruit was designated as a Geographical Indication (GI) due to its distinct sweet and juicy flavor, crunchy center, and scent. That is why the island's government and corporate sectors are collaborating on public relations and marketing to bring the fruit to visitors.
Phuket Rajabhat University (PKRU), a local university that provides academic services, knowledge, and innovation to the local community, also works on inventing and developing Phuket pineapple into a variety of products such as transformed food or health and beauty products, as well as marketing these products (PKRU Marketplace).
Recently. Asst. Prof. Phurinat Paladsongkram, or Ajarn Bao, a lecturer from the Faculty of Science and Technology's Creative Product Innovation Program who specializes in product design and natural material crafts, has transformed an unwanted pineapple leaf into pineapple leaf fiber fabric.
Ajarn Bao told us that he has been working on research that was supported by both the government and business organizations in order to improve the quality of life of people in the local community. He began changing pineapple leaves into fabric because fabric and textile are currently popular and in high demand in the market, but high volume pineapple production produces tons of pineapple leaves, which are either eaten by elephants or burned, causing air pollution. Pineapple leaves will be converted into pineapple leaf fiber fabric, which is sturdy, airy, color absorbent, and does not require ironing. It costs 450 baht per yard (the same as linen but with a cheaper production cost); 900 - 1,5000 baht per yard when transformed into batik or tie dye fabric, and even more when used to manufacture hats or bags.
Ajan Bao intended to create products using pineapple leave fiber fabric and to provide training in fabric manufacturing to the local community so that the people could produce the fabric and related products at home. Then, PKRU will continue to work on product value addition and marketing. The first pilot village is Bang Rong, which is located in Paklok Sub-district, Thalang District, Phuket.
