Pinyapel is a project under Design Center’s Materials Research and Development Program. The program explores the potential of agricultural waste and overlooked resources as raw materials for various product applications. Continuing research and materials manipulation reveal new possibilities for indigenous materials, thereby strengthening its impact on the design and value of Philippine products.

Made from discarded pineapple leaves, Pinyapel is a locally processed and manufactured paper with the aim of providing environmentally friendly, commercially viable solutions to single-use plastics. This circular design solution hopes to inspire more initiatives for sustainable living and continue to spur homegrown innovation.

“What we also want to show through this project is really the Filipino value of ‘malasakit’ or the compassion on what we do with the Earth, what we do with our resources to help provide a better future for the planet and the marginalized, as well as how do we provide a unique voice, a unique design perspective in a global discourse of design.” - Executive Director Rhea O. Matute