Nike has unveiled a new line of sneakers made of pineapple leather combined with other sustainable materials such as cork.
The new Happy Pineapple collection has been created using Piñatex – a vegan leather alternative developed by a company called Ananas Anam. The London-based company turns discarded pineapple leaves into a sustainable material that can be used in a variety of applications including, clothing, shoes, accessories, amongst others.
The new models will be available on Nike’s SNKRS app from 17 June, 2021. When we checked the platform, we found that the products are available for shipping to India also, and they are priced between ₹9,000 and ₹14,000.
Making the announcement on social media, Piñatex wrote: “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Nike on their Happy Pineapple collection. This summer has just gotten sweeter.”
“Nike merges their innovative silhouettes with juicy hues and clever details paying homage to a summertime staple – the pineapple. Piñatex has been used on the brand’s iconic models in key parts of the shoe together with other sustainable materials such as cork.”
“There are 5 #MadeFromPiñatex Nike trainers’ models that will be coming out in several colourways: Europe – Free Run Trail Premium; Asia – Air Force 1, Air Max 90, Air Max 95 and Air Zoom Type.”
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More than 25 years after its debut, the Air Max 95 is one of the most iconic silhouettes in the Nike catalogue. The fresh Happy Pineapple edition of the shoe is anchored by shades of Coconut Milk and Apricot Agate. The design features hits of shimmering Piñatex foil and textured pineapple leather. There are also embroidered graphics on the tongue and toe cap.
This collaboration between Nike and Piñatex will give a boost to the adoption of vegan leather alternatives by mainstream brands and would propel further innovation in vegan leather.
A certified B Corp company, Ananas Anam, supports rural communities in an eco-friendly way. The company’s latest impact report has come out recently. Commenting on the same, Melanie Broye-Engelkes, CEO, Ananas Anam, wrote in a social media post: “Piñatex is a strong purposeful brand built on knowledge sharing, nurturing trust, offering relevant solutions and reflecting the multi-cultural ecosystem in which we work.”
“B Corp values have been a part of Ananas Anam’s DNA since the launch of Piñatex in 2016. In this Impact Report, we share our achievements of our first year as a B Corp Certified company. Please join us on our journey and our commitment to become better at what we do, day after day.”
