Turning Agricultural Waste into Wearable Innovation
Pineapples are not just Taiwan’s beloved fruit—they’re also a source of sustainable fiber. Traditionally, pineapple leaves are discarded after harvest. But in response to shifting global trade dynamics, particularly China’s 2021 import ban on Taiwanese pineapples, UKL saw an opportunity to transform waste into worth.
With support from Taiwanese government subsidies aimed at aiding farmers, we developed specialized machinery to extract high-quality fiber directly from pineapple leaves right at the farm. This fiber—known as PALF (Pineapple Leaf Fiber)—is not only renewable but offers remarkable environmental benefits:
- 90% less water usage compared to conventional cotton
- High tensile strength and natural antibacterial properties
- Zero additional land or water required—since it’s a byproduct of existing agriculture
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in New Taipei City, UKL has long been a trusted name in global apparel, supplying 4–5 million garments annually to markets across North America and Southeast Asia. Today, we’re channeling that experience into the future of fashion.
We aim to grow our eco-friendly product line from 10% to 30% of total revenue within two years—and Japan is a key part of that vision.
“Japanese consumers deeply value sustainability and storytelling,” says Huan-Chi Hsieh, Executive Vice President of UKL. “We want to share the journey behind our pineapple leaf sweaters—how a farmer’s discarded leaf becomes a symbol of circular fashion and care for our planet.”
Discover the Future of Knitwear
Our PALF-blend sweaters represent more than comfort and style—they embody a commitment to regenerative design, water conservation, and support for local farming communities. As we continue to scale this innovation, we invite you to join us in weaving a more sustainable future, one sweater at a time.
Explore our PALF Collection and learn how you can wear the change you wish to see in the world.