DFNet

March 11, 2026 | Vietnam net |

In Can Tho, Vietnam, pineapple leaves once treated as waste are now being transformed into natural fiber, creating new income opportunities and reducing environmental impact. Initiated by a local cooperative, the model collects leaves from farms and processes them into textile-grade fiber through several steps, including extraction, cleaning, and drying.

Farmers benefit by earning additional income from selling leaves while avoiding costs previously spent on clearing plantations. The initiative also creates local jobs, especially for women, and supports rural livelihoods. Each hectare of pineapple fields can generate significant extra revenue.

The process is environmentally friendly, as leftover materials are reused to produce compost and animal feed, forming a near zero-waste cycle. With growing demand for sustainable materials, the model highlights the potential of agricultural by-products. Local authorities see it as a step toward greener agriculture, with plans to expand production, attract investment, and further develop pineapple-based products in the region.

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