Ananas Anam, the UK-based company behind Piñatex, a plant-based leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fiber, has entered insolvency proceedings after more than a decade in operation. Are bio-materials where dreams go to die?

Founded in 2013 by Carmen Hijosa, the company was considered an early pioneer in the “next-generation” sustainable materials movement. Piñatex uses fibers extracted from pineapple leaves, an agricultural by-product typically discarded after harvest, to create a non-woven textile marketed as an alternative to animal leather. (Dead Sea cement bricks apply the same concept).

Over the years, Ananas Anam secured collaborations with global brands including Nike, H&M, Inditex and Ecoalf. However, according to UK insolvency filings, the company struggled to achieve sustained commercial scale. And Ananas Anam UK formally entered insolvency proceedings last year. This is a business lesson to hopefuls looking to create an impact business.

According to Companies House filings: 2023 turnover: £240,849 (down from £419,849 in 2022); 2023 loss: £1.14 million. The Spanish subsidiary reported €518,515 in revenue in 2023 (down 20.4% year-on-year) and losses of €1.03 million.

Stella McCartney supports the use of sustainable materials without the risk. A smart business model or a parasitic approach to sustainable fashion?

The same month that Ananas Anam was filing bankruptcy, Stella McCartney was advertising its materials in her latest collections.

The filings state that the company required continued external investment and was unable to generate sufficient operational cash flow to sustain growth. Ananas Anam probably should have raised VC or investment capital to scale and grow its dream to make natural waste a viable bio-material that could work in the machinery of today’s textile operations.

In late 2024, restructuring firm Leonard Curtis was engaged to assess the company’s financial position. Ananas Anam sought new investors, including discussions with produce company Del Monte, which provided interim funding totaling €300,000, followed by an additional €100,000 from existing investor Compagnie Fruitière. Negotiations for acquisition were ultimately unsuccessful. too bad Del Monte didn’t “buy” the idea for its CSR venture

Scaling Remains a Barrier in Next-Gen Materials

Industry observers note that many alternative material startups face similar commercialization hurdles. While leather from mushrooms sounds exciting along with shoes that decompose, brands often test these innovative materials in limited capsule collections, converting pilot projects into large-volume, long-term supply contracts has proven difficult across the sector. That’s what we see with Stella McCartney. She tests new materials on her collections but she doesn’t take an all-in risk approach.

Ananas Anam had attempted to shift its model from direct brand partnerships to collaborations with textile manufacturers, including Textil Santanderina, and explored outsourcing production while remaining focused on fiber supply.

The broader sustainable materials landscape has also shifted in recent years. Textile recycling technologies have accelerated in response to anticipated European Union eco-design regulations emphasizing recycled content. Some companies developing bio-based materials have found it challenging to compete for investment and manufacturing capacity in this evolving regulatory and commercial environment.

From Pioneer to Precedent

Piñatex was among the earliest widely publicized plant-based leather alternatives and played a significant role in raising awareness of agricultural waste valorization within fashion supply chains.

Its insolvency highlights the persistent gap between innovation and industrial-scale deployment in sustainable materials.

Learn from Balena

The next-generation materials sector continues to evolve, but the case of Ananas Anam underscores a recurring challenge: scaling production, securing stable demand, and achieving financial sustainability remain decisive factors in determining which innovations survive beyond the pilot phase. The company might have better taken the B2B approach, which is seen with Balena, a biomaterial company that provides materials for the shoe industry. They have collaborated with VivoBarefoot and Stella McCartney but never risked having to develop and cater to the consumer directly,

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Fashion’s next material revolution may not come from a lab in Paris or Milan — but from the tides of the Red Sea. Along Saudi Arabia’s coastline, scientists, designers, and textile innovators are transforming Sargassum seaweed into a wearable fabric, turning a fast-growing marine biomass into a new generation of sustainable textile. The initiative, led by KAUST Beacon Development in collaboration with the Saudi Fashion Commission and PYRATEX, is part of a broader effort to rethink how fashion sources its raw materials.

The project was recently presented as the Red Sea Seaweed Textile, demonstrating how locally sourced algae can be converted into blended yarns and finished garments. Stella McCartney does it. So why not Saudis?

“This material represents a milestone in our mission to build a future-focused, sustainable fashion ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. It demonstrates how local resources, scientific excellence, and creative talent can come together to deliver solutions for the global fashion industry,” said Burak Çakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission.

KAUST’s role has been central. Its marine scientists studied the biochemical structure of Red Sea seaweed and developed responsible harvesting methods that preserve both the ecosystem and the algae’s functional properties.

An abaya made from seaweed?

“By researching the biochemical properties of Red Sea seaweed, we were able to integrate local algae species into an innovative blended yarn,” said Fiona Symes, COO of KAUST Beacon Development.

PYRATEX  then translated that biomass into textile form, blending the algae with Lyocell and organic cotton to produce a fabric that is breathable, traceable, and suitable for garment production. The Saudi Fashion Commission’s development studio produced complete garments from the material — not as conceptual pieces, but as real clothing.

Saudi Arabia’s fashion scene has been showing dynamic evolution. Recent runway shows in the Kingdom featured bathing suits in a historically very modest country.

These shows reflect a larger shift in how fashion in the Middle East engages global trends while honoring local sensibilities — moving beyond traditional expectations to embrace broader stylistic expressions that include functional, climate-appropriate swimwear alongside couture and everyday wear.

The seaweed fabric project reflects a growing shift across the fashion world. Designers such as Stella McCartney have long argued that sustainability cannot rely only on recycled synthetics or reduced harm. McCartney has repeatedly called for materials that are regenerative, ethical, and transparent — fibers that restore ecosystems rather than merely slow damage.

Luxury and performance brands alike are now experimenting with algae, mycelium, pineapple fiber, cactus leather, and agricultural waste. But what makes the Red Sea initiative distinctive is its regional grounding: a local marine resource transformed locally, with scientific validation and design integration.

Fashion is one of the most environmentally demanding industries on Earth, responsible for heavy water use, chemical pollution, and carbon emissions. Changing fabrics may seem small, but materials determine supply chains, farming practices, and waste streams.

Seaweed offers a radically different model. It grows without freshwater irrigation, fertilizers, or farmland. It absorbs carbon and regenerates rapidly. It does not compete with food systems. And it invites coastal stewardship rather than land exploitation.

For Saudi Arabia, this project also signals a broader narrative shift. The Kingdom is increasingly positioning itself not only as an energy producer, but as a knowledge and innovation economy — where science, sustainability, and culture intersect.

For fashion, the message is equally clear: the future of luxury will not be defined only by design houses, but by material intelligence. Garments made from seaweed may not replace cotton or polyester tomorrow. But they challenge designers, investors, and consumers to imagine clothing that begins in ecosystems rather than factories.

As Stella McCartney and other sustainability leaders have shown, fashion does not change when trends shift. It changes when materials do.

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When you meet someone, you are often judged and evaluated before you even strike a conversation, based on how you look and how you carry yourself. As much as we may hate it, your attire is an important part of your personality and does communicate a non-verbal vibe about you to the other person. That is exactly why dress codes exist for different occasions and are considered an important element of discipline. However, when you graduate out of your college, your dress codes are vaguely classified as formals and casuals. It often becomes difficult for fresh entrants in the industry to figure out the right way to dress.

Dressing right is very crucial when you are in a corporate role, especially if you aspire to assume a leadership position. Your attire should communicate that you are professional, focus and you mean serious business. This quick style guide will help you crack the ultimate style code.

Clothing

When you are working as a corporate executive, especially in a leadership role, your attire matters a lot. The way you carry yourself is considered to be an important part of your corporate identity. Your clothing is the most dominating element of your overall attire and therefore you need to pay attention to it regardless of your gender and position.

The best clothing option for any corporate executive is to go for a suit. A nicely stitched suit in hues of Black, Blue, and Greys paired with an appropriately contrasting shirt and a tie is a classic gentleman’s dress and you can never go wrong with that one. That being said, many people do not find it practical to wear a suit every day. Moreover, often weather conditions and work dynamics do not allow that kind of attire at many places. In that case, you can stick to a formal shirt and a dress pant. When choosing shirts and ties, pay attention to the kind of colors and prints that you choose.

Keep your hues and prints subtle and sophisticated. You wouldn’t want to walk into your office with a splash of colors. Some contemporary workplaces today encourage more easy-going environment and follow a smart-casual dress code instead of a formal one. In such circumstances, do not get carried away by going for something way too casual. Collared polo shirts paired with cotton pants or straight cut jeans are a great smart casual option.

For female executives, the basic guidelines remain the same. Ladies suits have been a huge hit in the fashion circuits in the recent past, so you can make the best use of the current trends by dressing up in a ladies suit. When going for a suit, make sure it is stitched according to your body requirements. For instance, the tailored suits from Ellaé Lisqué are well-fitted and perfect for female executives who want to stand out and show off. If suits are not your thing, you can put up a smart formal top paired with a skirt. Although females have a wider color palette to choose from but avoid picking up colors that are too bright or loud. You can go for darker tones of blues and red, however, stick to a single color or pair up with a neutral color instead of going all colorful. Even if you are personally okay with showing skin, avoid dresses that are too suggestive at your workplace. Wear something that is convenient, manageable and comfortable while at the same time professional.

Shoes

Your shoes are very much part of your overall professional attire. The classic hot always has been the closed toe high heeled shoe. Closed-toe shoes do not mean that you are allowed to walk into your workplace wearing sneakers or joggers. Invest in a good pair of formal leather shoes. Ideally, shades of black and browns are the best choices. The closed toe rule applies to women too, and ideally, women should stick to high heels too. However, if for some reason you are not able to wear heels, go for kitten heels or Wedges.

Remember that often your work will require you to move around and it is important that you wear something that would not give you sore feet. Therefore, even if you are used to heels, pick only heels that are high enough for you to carry all day. Wedges are a great alternative to closed toe heels as the offer relatively much more support and are relatively more comfortable. If you wish to stick to flats, go for pumps. For shoes, try to stick to neutral colors only and avoid hues that are too loud or bright.

Accessories

Accessories are an important part of fashion and style as they help to accentuate your entire look. Although you do not have to completely eliminate your jewelry and accessories from your corporate look, you still have to keep it very subtle. Even if you are a huge jewelry fan, leave your bracelets and necklaces at home when coming to work. The max you can wear is a small pair of studs in your ears, a finger ring or two and a watch. Keep other pieces light and let your watch be the most dominating element of your accessories. Watches have always been associated with class and luxury so invest more in this area. Tag Heuer Carrera has some super classy leather strap watches in its line that you can pick from. Whatever you choose, make sure that your accessories do not become a hindrance in your productivity and allow you to do your tasks effectively.

Hair and Makeup

Although there is not much to do with hair and makeup with men, still style it as professionally as possible. Ideally, avoid very long hair, but if you have longer lengths then avoid keeping them open. Make sure your hair is clean, shampooed and tied up neatly. Although females can leave their hair open, but make sure they are manageable and do not bother you amidst your work. You do not have to invest hours in the morning to style your hair. Tie them up in a neat bun or do a high ponytail or a braid. That would not only look neat and professional, but your hair will stay intact till the day end without bothering you. You can use a styling gel or a hair spray for extra support.

As for makeup, it is best to stay as natural as possible. Use the foundation that matches your skin tone. If your skin does not have too many imperfections, it is best to use conceal and correct and top it up with a good moisturizer and finishing powder only. Avoid heavy highlighters and bronzers and use a very subtle cheek tint. Keep your eyeshades neutral and add a liner and a mascara. If your clothes are dark toned, go with nude or earth-toned lips. If you have kept everything else very minimalistic, you may add a pop of red on your lips.

The post A Quick Style Round-Up for Corporate Executives appeared first on Green Prophet.

Back in the day when we started Green Prophet, “circular design” was a new buzzword and mostly just a slide in a PowerPoint deck—something sustainability consultants pitched people who knew nothing. In 2025, it’s different. Circular design isn’t just theory now—it’s practice. It’s policy in some of the boldest companies, cities, and thinkers who are reshaping the future.

The idea’s simple, at least on paper: instead of designing products that end up as waste, we design them to stay in circulation. You don’t throw it out—you fix it, rework it, compost it, or break it down for parts. But circularity today goes far beyond recycling. It’s about designing out waste from the very beginning—and building systems that restore, not just reduce.

Here’s what circular design actually looks like now—and where it’s heading.

We start with taking things apart: Literally. In a world full of glued-shut gadgets and planned obsolescence, modularity is the quiet revolution. Look at the Fairphone 5, made in the Netherlands. It’s not flashy. But if your camera breaks or your battery dies, you can swap them out with a screwdriver. That’s the whole point. No Genius Bar. No landfill. Dutch common sense. That’s my ancestry.

Designers in 2025 are choosing materials based not just on what they do now—but on what they’ll become next. Fashion is leading the charge. Stella McCartney’s working with Mylo, a mushroom-based leather you can compost. Pangaia’s printing T-shirts from seaweed and dyeing them with bacteria. It sounds like science fiction, but it’s already in stores.

Architecture might be the most exciting space for circular innovation. In Brussels, the government built the Circular Pavilion using 95% reclaimed materials. That’s right—steel beams from old train stations, floors from shuttered schools. In the UK, a startup called Biohm is creating wall panels and insulation out of mushrooms that clean your air and return to soil when you’re done with them.

Biohm is a biomanufacturing research and development company founded by Ehab Syed in 2016 to create regenerative construction materials and packaging by growing mycelium into food waste or processing difficult-to-reuse or recycled by-products.

Biohm uses orange peel, cocoa husks, and other food waste, to develop and design construction materials such as mycelium-based insulation panels, plant-based concrete alternatives, and sustainable replacers for wood-based construction sheets.

Space. Yes, even space: Circular design is going orbital. The European Space Agency is prepping a mission called ClearSpace-1 that will grab dead satellites and haul them back down to Earth. Meanwhile, modular satellite “swarms” are being tested—think space Legos that can swap parts and repair each other, reducing the need for constant rocket launches (and space junk). Read our latest on sustainable aviation fuel for space.

Amsterdam or Rotterdam aren’t just talking about circularity—they are living it. The city has adopted the Doughnut Economics model and plans to phase out raw material imports entirely by 2050. Old bricks get reused. Procurement policies now favor reusables and remanufactured parts.

Milan is tackling food waste with logistics instead of guilt: it rescues over 130 tons of edible food every year and reroutes it to people who need it. Israel does this as well. Non-profits and volunteers collect tons of food after weddings and large catered events supplying it to those who are hungry.

Here’s the honest take: circular design is not a magic fix. It’s messy. It takes time. But it’s starting to change systems, not just products. When major cities, aerospace agencies, and fashion giants start asking: What happens to this at the end of its life?—that’s a shift. That’s design thinking that looks more like ecology than industry.

The post What Circular Design Means in 2025—and Why It’s Finally Real appeared first on Green Prophet.