How Kenyan Firm Crafts High-End Shoes from Pineapple Waste

PineKazi, a company based in Kenya, has made global headlines for its innovative use of pineapple leaves in the production of footwear.

Rather than discarding pineapple leaves after harvest, PineKazi acquires them from farmers for Ksh15 per sucker. These leaves are subsequently transformed into pulp, which is utilized in producing textile fibres. Approximately 16 suckers are needed to fabricate a single pair of shoes. The end product is retailed at Sh6,900, but PineKazi also provides wholesale options at Ksh5,600. Due to its manual nature, the manufacturing process is labour-intensive and requires a significant amount of time.

When asked about the company's drive, the CEO and Co-founder Olivia Awour emphasizes their dedication to establishing an environmentally friendly fashion brand and providing employment opportunities for young individuals in Kenya. The CEO says that each year, a significant amount of pineapple leaves leftover from harvesting are typically disposed of through burning or chemical decomposition. By gathering and utilizing this waste, the company can effectively decrease carbon and methane emissions by 0.28 metric tonnes for every 1,000 tonnes of waste collected. PineKazi's innovative approach has gained global recognition and earned them numerous awards in 2023.

Pine Kazi, one of the top six African startups recognized for their positive contributions to sustainable development goals has achieved remarkable success. They emerged victorious at the Hult Prize Summit in Nairobi and competed in Paris, France in August 2023. However, as is often the case with startups, the company faces daily operational challenges. In a recent interview, the CEO sheds light on some of these hurdles including securing financing for expansion and the need to bolster their research and development capabilities. Despite these obstacles, Pine Kazi remains unwavering in their commitment to growth and expanding their range of products.