Carmen Hijosa shares her life journey from traditional leather craftwork and its negative consequences  for people and environment on its origin, to the creation of her own material, more responsible, honest and ecological. 

Originally from Spain, Carmen’s career has taken her around the world. With a background in leathergoods design and manufacturing she worked as an industry consultant, and was brought to the Philippines to advice on its exporting industry of that material, and there she realized its enormous ecological impact. This led her to research in order to find an alternative. 

She had numerous recognitions: Cartier Women’s Initiative Award, Arts Foundation UK Innovation in Sustainable Materials Award, – Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award (2016 and 2017) and The Woman of the 3rd Millennium Award for Social Innovation and Advancement.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Carmen Hijosa: The story of how I reinvented a material and the fruit that changed my life | Carmen Hijosa | TEDxMadrid

The story of how I reinvented a material and the fruit that changed my life | Carmen Hijosa | TEDxMadrid

Transforming waste into wealth, the journey from witnessing the ecological impact of leather to creating Piñatex, a sustainable material.

Piñatex redefines luxury, turning pineapple leaf fiber, previously considered waste, into a durable, ethical alternative to leather.

A call to consumers: Reflect on purchases and seek products that contribute positively to society, ecology, and the global economy.