Following the pioneering development of a bio-based, plastic-free leather-like material crafted from pineapple leaf fibers by Associate Professor Taweechai Amornsakchai and his team at Mahidol University, Thailand, interest continues to grow in the practical applications of this innovative “green leather.” [1]. Their research, published in Sustainability [2], outlines the creation of a plant-based alternative to conventional leather, offering a sustainable and biodegradable material derived from agricultural waste.
Building on this exciting advancement, the material has since been further developed for commercial use under the brand name PiLeatha by Evergen Technologies, a company working to transform agricultural waste into high-value, sustainable materials.
Here, I explored the use of this eco-friendly leatherette in book restoration and personal accessories—two domains where durability, aesthetics, and tactile quality are essential.
A New Chapter for Old Books
One compelling application is the restoration of vintage books with worn or damaged covers. Using a sample of the soft leather-mimicking variant provided by Dr. Taweechai, I restored a 1967 edition of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. The leatherette material, coated with a fine red-dyed rubber layer (approximately 5% by weight), offered a smooth yet grippy surface, closely resembling traditional leather. The tactile feedback is impressive: light in weight, surprisingly strong, and resistant to tearing except under significant force with a craft knife. The restored book not only gained structural reinforcement but also an enhanced aesthetic appeal—pleasant to hold, and a delight to re-read.
Book cover restored: A 1967 edition of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Everyday Elegance with Sustainable Materials
Encouraged by the success of using PiLeatha in book restoration,I extended the application to a daily-use item: a well-worn moleskin notebook. This time, I used a version of the leatherette designed to replicate full-grain leather texture. The transformation was striking. The new cover exuded a refined, professional look while maintaining comfort in hand—ideal for frequent handling. Importantly, the durability of the material promises a longer lifespan for such personal items, reducing the need for replacement and contributing to more sustainable consumption habits.
View of the leatherette cover around the spine of a well-worn moleskin notebook
Expanding Horizons for Green Leatherette
These case studies—restoring a literary classic and rejuvenating a daily diary—highlight the versatility of PiLeatha, a pineapple-fiber-based leatherette, as a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable alternative to traditional leather. Developed by Evergen Technologies, PiLeatha's potential applications span not only bookbinding but also fashion, upholstery, stationery, and beyond.
For researchers, designers, or industry professionals interested in collaborating or exploring further applications, please contact Dr. Kheng Lim Goh (the author of this News Bite) at [email protected] or the lead researcher Dr. Taweechai Amornsakchai at [email protected].
References
[1] Green leather: Innovative Plant-Based Substitute Developed from Pineapple Leaf Fiber and Natural Rubber, Asia Research News, 14 June 2024, https://www.asiaresearchnews.com/content/green-leather-innovative-plant-based-substitute-developed-pineapple-leaf-fiber-and-natural
[2] Duangsuwan, S.; Junkong, P.; Phinyocheep, P.; Thanawan, S.; Amornsakchai, T. Development of Green Leather Alternative from Natural Rubber and Pineapple Leaf Fiber. Sustainability 2023, 15, 15400. https://doi.org/10.3390/ su152115400
