The pineapple, once a symbol of opulent luxury, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Beyond its sweet fruit and elegant use in traditional piña fabric, a new chapter is unfolding – one where this humble plant powers lighting, clothing, and even furniture.
Hiblatech, a pioneering Filipino company, is at the forefront of this revolution, specializing in fibers sourced directly from pineapple leaves – agricultural waste often discarded after harvest. Unlike the Red Spanish variety favored for fine piña textiles, Hiblatech utilizes diverse pineapple species, unlocking a wealth of untapped potential.
This innovative process yields a textile remarkably similar to felt, a versatile base material that can be further refined into a polyester blend resembling linen. The company’s success is built on a strong partnership with Chuck Lazaro of Asia Textile Mills, a veteran in natural fiber processing and a key contributor to the development of Piñatex, a renowned pineapple-based leather alternative.
For Tina Sabarre, Hiblatech’s co-founder, the mission is deeply rooted in national pride. Recognizing that 80% of Piñatex’s production already occurs in the Philippines, she envisioned a future where a Filipino-owned company could directly benefit from this abundant resource. “Why don’t we sell it, as a Filipino company?” she asked, setting the stage for Hiblatech’s emergence.
Recently, an exhibit in Makati showcased the astonishing versatility of Hiblatech’s materials. Designers transformed the felt and fibers into a stunning array of objects – from whimsical toys to sophisticated furniture and illuminating lamps. Krete Manila, for example, engineered a lighter, stronger concrete by reinforcing it with Hiblatech fiber and paper.
Edward Sibunga crafted a unique sound panel-speaker utilizing the felt’s acoustic properties, while Dee Javier created intricate embroidered artwork, hinting at the textile’s potential inclusion in Natori’s Spring-Summer 2026 collection. The exhibit served as a powerful demonstration of the fiber’s boundless possibilities.
Sabarre, herself showcasing a beautifully woven blouse crafted from the pineapple fiber blend – designed by Jo Ann Bitagcol – emphasized the rigorous testing the fabric has undergone. It has successfully met standards for flammability, water resistance, and durability for home use. Further development, in collaboration with a German company, aims to enhance its resilience for demanding environments like hotels and restaurants.
The spirit of collaboration extends beyond Hiblatech’s immediate partners. The company acknowledges the work of brands like Lakat, which incorporates pineapple fibers into its sneaker inners, even though they utilize a cotton blend. Sabarre views these endeavors not as competition, but as a collective effort to champion Philippine fibers.
Looking ahead, Sabarre plans to host workshops, empowering individuals across various industries to explore the diverse applications of this remarkable textile. She envisions expanding production through fundraising initiatives, aiming to establish a new manufacturing facility and further solidify the relevance of pineapple fibers across a multitude of sectors.
Hiblatech isn’t simply creating a new material; it’s cultivating a sustainable future, transforming agricultural waste into a source of innovation, beauty, and national pride.
