Pine Kazi, a Kenyan shoe design house, is making waves in the fashion industry by turning discarded pineapple leaves into stylish and eco-friendly footwear. Recognized as the winner of the Fashionomics Africa initiative by the African Development Bank, Pine Kazi is not only creating fashionable shoes but also making a positive environmental impact.
In this article, WoK delves into the inspiring journey of this women-led venture and discover how they are reshaping the landscape of sustainable fashion.
From Bag Alternatives to Innovative Shoes
Their story began when the Kenyan government implemented a ban on plastic bags, spurring the need for alternative materials. Initially exploring pineapple leaf fibers to create fabric for bags, the talented team of Olivia Awuor, Angela Nzomo, Mike Langat, and Gilbert Kiplangat soon realized the immense potential in the local shoe production industry.
Harnessing Pineapple Leaves and Recycled Rubber
Partnering with Del Monte Kenya Limited, Pine Kazi sources its primary raw material – pineapple leaves – from the pineapple industry’s waste stream. By repurposing these leaves into durable textile materials, Pine Kazi transforms them into exquisite handcrafted shoes.
Not stopping there, they incorporate soles made from recycled rubber tires, reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.
Durability, Design, and Conscious Consumption
Pine Kazi places a strong emphasis on durability, ensuring that both the textile and the final shoes are built to last. By prioritizing quality craftsmanship, they aim to reduce the need for frequent shoe replacements and promote sustainable consumption habits.
Furthermore, Pine Kazi adopts a limited production approach, avoiding overproduction and excess inventory, which contributes to a more sustainable fashion industry.
Embracing Kenyan Heritage
With deep pride in Kenyan culture, Pine Kazi infuses their shoe collections with Swahili names inspired by the country’s iconic wildlife. Each shoe, from Swara to Chui, embodies the rich heritage and natural beauty of Kenya.
This commitment to cultural representation extends to their future product lines, ensuring that Pine Kazi products continue to tell the story of their country’s history.
Capacity and Expansion
Presently, Pine Kazi’s production capacity is around 10 pairs of shoes per day, meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans. However, the company has ambitious plans for expansion.
By introducing machinery and scaling up their operations, they aim to increase output to 1,000 pairs per day, meeting the growing demand for their unique and sustainable footwear.
Celebrated Achievements
They have been recognized for their innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. They have received prestigious accolades, including winning the 2019 Hult Prize Amman Regional Competition and the 2022 Fashionomics Africa competition by the African Development Bank.
These achievements not only provide financial support but also open doors to networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and media exposure.
Driving Sustainable Fashion in Africa
As Pine Kazi continues to flourish, they serve as a shining example of sustainable fashion in Africa. By transforming pineapple waste into fashionable shoes, they demonstrate the power of creativity, innovation, and environmental consciousness.
They inspires other entrepreneurs to embrace sustainable practices and contribute to a greener future within the fashion industry.
