As Mother Nature continues to be at an alarming condition, we try to find ways to be sustainable. Minimizing our plastic usage is one way; single-use packagings are almost inevitable. And so the Department of Trade and Industry’s Design Center of the Philippines (DTI-DCP) created a product that may solve our plastic problem.

Design Center innovated the local specialty paper Pinyapel, made from discarded leaves from pineapple plantation. It is the result of a research and development initiative on pineapple leaves.

Pinyapel production involves harvesting the discarded leaves from pineapple plantation then drying the leaves under direct sunlight. When rinsed pulp had undergone reinforcing solutions, the paper sheets can transform into corrugated paper or paper bags.

“The project began with the intent of maximizing the use of agricultural waste to improve the livelihood of farmers (prosperity), address concerns on dwindling natural resources and offer alternatives to plastic (planet); collaborate with local enterprises (people); and, consequently, show the world what the creative and design mind of Philippines can do (purpose),” Design Center of the Philippines Executive Director Rhea O. Matute said.

With the challenges faced by the paper industry in sourcing pulp locally, Pinyapel provided an alternative and sustainable source for paper. Its productions are also seen as an additional income source for farmers in the country’s large pineapple production area.

Because of its potential to create a huge impact on sustainability, Pinyapel bagged a “Wood Pencil” at the D&AD Future Impact Awards 2019. D&AD is a British non-profit that exists to celebrate, inspire, and nurture excellence in design and advertising in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

“It [Pinyapel] highlights the Filipino brand of design point of view that is anchored in malasakit, which brings an authentic Filipino design perspective on developing impact-driven solutions that address the problems of today and of tomorrow, while protecting the future generations and ensuring a better future for them,” DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said.

Pinyapel is a great milestone towards sustainability and to showcase our Filipino creativity. Our earth is sure hoping sustainability doesn’t stop at Pinyapel. Let’s continue to make the world a better place to live in.