Leather samples with diffrent colors a by product of the pineapple pulp.Photo Eco Nasi
Luxury, sustainability, and social impact converge in an unlikely source: pineapple pulp.
Once dismissed as agricultural waste, it now forms the backbone of a revolutionary leather alternative. Self-pigmenting, fully biodegradable, and cruelty-free, Eco-Nasi’s materials are redefining what is possible in sustainable fashion.
The ingenuity of Eco-Nasi recently caught the attention of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge (YEIC), earning the startup a KES 5 million grant.
YEIC recognizes young innovators and youth-led organizations that develop practical, community-focused solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
The initiative prioritizes projects with demonstrated impact, scalability, and strong community engagement in areas like sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and circular economy solutions.
Eco Nasi’s recognition was not simply an accolade; it was a validation of the startup’s ability to combine design, science, and social responsibility to tackle pressing environmental and societal challenges in Kenya and beyond.
Who Are the Founders and What Is Eco-Nasi?
Eco-Nasi was founded by Olivia Awuor Okinyi, a Kenyan innovator who has long been passionate about sustainable design and environmental solutions.
Her vision was clear from the outset: to transform agricultural byproducts into high-value materials that could challenge conventional leather production while promoting environmental stewardship.
Eco-Nasi converts pineapple pulp, a byproduct of the fruit industry often discarded or left to rot, into a plant-based leather alternative.
The material is biodegradable, cruelty-free, and fully customizable, offering designers the ability to explore different textures, colors, and finishes.
More than a product, Eco-Nasi represents a paradigm shift toward circular production, regenerative design, and socially responsible entrepreneurship rooted in local communities.
By transforming it into leather, they are not only creating a sustainable alternative to animal and synthetic leather but also setting a benchmark for African-led innovation in fashion and material science.
Turning Waste Into Wonder
Across Kenya, pineapple farms produce tons of pulp that traditionally have little commercial value.
Eco-Nasi has tapped into this overlooked resource, turning discarded matter into sheets of self-pigmenting, high-quality leather.
The process is a careful blend of science and craftsmanship. Pulp is cleaned, mixed with natural bio-polymers, and pressed into sheets.
Over time, these sheets subtly change color, reflecting their organic origins and giving each piece a one-of-a-kind character.
The environmental impact is significant.
Traditional leather production consumes 250 liters of water per kilogram, requires 2.5 kilograms of toxic chemicals, and generates 6.1 kilograms of solid waste.
Cattle farming contributes 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
In stark contrast, Eco-Nasi leather uses just 8.6 liters of water per kilogram, produces zero chemical waste, and is fully biodegradable in 180 days.
It also avoids the ethical and environmental concerns associated with both livestock and plastic-based vegan leathers.
This innovation demonstrates that sustainable design does not require compromise.
Each sheet of pineapple leather carries the promise of functional beauty and environmental responsibility, challenging the fashion industry to rethink its dependence on resource-intensive processes.
Redefining Fashion and Looking Ahead
Eco-Nasi proves that luxury need not come at the planet’s expense.
Their pineapple leather is durable, versatile, and visually striking, offering designers and brands a cruelty-free, plastic-free alternative that meets modern fashion’s quality standards.
The startup is not only creating innovative products but also shaping a vision where design, sustainability, and social impact coexist seamlessly, offering a model for African enterprises to make a difference on a global stage. YEIC recognition provided validation and a platform to scale operations, but the team’s mission extends far beyond awards.
The KSh 5 million KCDF grant will enable Eco-Nasi to scale production, generate more jobs, and expand waste reduction efforts. The startup envisions a world where plant-based leathers are mainstream and circular production models are widely adopted.
Beyond the product itself, Eco-Nasi inspires designers, entrepreneurs, and communities to rethink how materials are sourced and how industries can operate responsibly.
From Nairobi’s workshops to potential global markets, their work signals a blueprint for sustainable fashion that balances luxury, ethical responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
