Textile company turns pineapple leaves into fabric and leather alternative

Textile company turns pineapple leaves into fabric and leather alternative

2025-10-31

Pineapples are delicious, and now you can wear them too! A textile company has turned pineapple leaves into silky knits and supple leather. Their fabrics are much more environmentally friendly than cotton or linen, let alone their leather compared to conventional plastic alternatives. The company truly has you covered, from head to toe!

Here are some clothing, shoes and hats made out of a leather-like material, which is actually derived from pineapple leaves.

Gary Hsieh
Textile company EVP
The fibers can be turned into leather and made into hats, and even furniture such as couches. It has a wide range of applications.

There’s an average of 1.45 tons of pineapple leaves for every ton of pineapple harvested. The textile company turns these leaves into fibers to produce an eco-friendly leather alternative. Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, this plant-based material is less carbon-intensive and uses less water to produce.

Gary Hsieh
Textile company EVP
Last year, our product was certified by the BSI to have a carbon equivalence of 0.784, around one-tenth of linen and half of cotton. Any cash crop with fiber-based by-products can be reused by us.

This is a T-shirt the company designed for a Circular Taiwan Network event, featuring the main visuals. The pineapple fiber material was an apt choice for this souvenir T-shirt.

Gary Hsieh
Textile company EVP
The Ministry of Environment established a great platform, which is the 8+N resource circulation alliance. I think what’s even better is that the platform allows us to learn from other industries regarding how they implement circular economy principles.

As a member of the resource circulation alliance, the company has an opportunity to learn about others with a circular business model. The Ministry of Environment hopes to raise the profile of these green businesses and encourage more companies to get on board with a more sustainable future.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#sustainability #circulareconomy #recycling #enviromentalism #netzero #fashion

鳳梨葉變永續纖維環境部8+N聯盟推資源循環

2025-10-31

台灣鳳梨是台灣重要的農產品，不止可以吃，還能拿來製成衣服，有紡織企業以農業廢棄的鳳梨葉，研發創新材料的鳳梨葉纖維，製成的T-shirt，每件可減少約 0.58 公斤二氧化碳排放，是傳統棉花的一半。企業從原料創新，製造減碳，行銷永續，用行動實踐環境部推動的資源循環推動法，也希望能吸引更多業者都能夠創新或綠色轉型，加入循環台灣隊。

衣服，鞋子，甚至是帽子，材質很像柔軟的皮革。但製成這些成品，原料是用不到鳳梨葉。

[[紡織業執行副總謝煥麒]]
”紗料可以做成皮，我們可以變成皮革，我們可以做成帽子，那個沙發、傢俱，其實它的應用範圍就變的很廣”

每生產一公噸的鳳梨，平均會產生1.45公噸的鳳梨葉，紡織業者拿來循環再造，變成再生的紡織纖維，取代傳統塑化原料，減少碳排放量和用水量。

[[紡織業執行副總謝煥麒]]
“我們去年在BSI的認證之下是0.784的碳當量，大約亞麻的1/10，棉花的一半，所謂的經濟作物，他的材料只要有纖維，我們都可以去做”

紡織業者瞄準天然資源，這件鳳梨葉纖維製成的T-shirt，結合台灣氣溫條碼設計，將永續穿在身上，要大家都看到氣候的危機意識。

[[紡織業執行副總謝煥麒]]
”環境部建立一個很好的一個平臺(8+N聯盟)，我覺得更棒的事情是因為8＋N的聯盟的成立，我們可以跨領域去認識到不同的產業，他們如何去做他們的循環經濟”

身為「8+N資源循環聯盟」成員，深刻體會到各產業在循環經濟上的努力。環境部以政策及資金支持，鼓勵數位轉型，期望更多企業加入聯盟，推動資源循環與永續發展。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

African swine fever virus in Taichung 99% similar to China, Vietnam

2025-10-31

KMT Chair-elect says Putin is ‘not a dictator’ during interview

KMT Chair-elect Cheng Li-wun has come under heavy criticism from the DPP, after saying that Russia’s Vladimir Putin is “not a dictator.” She made the comment during an interview with a Deutshe Welle reporter. The exchange started off rather rigid, and things heated up further after the interviewer tried to draw a parallel between the Russia-Ukraine war and cross-strait relations.

KMT Chair-elect Cheng Li-wun recently gave an interview with Deutsche Welle’s Taipei office head Tsou Tsung-han, and from the start, it was tense.

– How much do you think military expenditure should be as a percentage of GDP?
- Do you know how much Japan’s military budget is this year?
- Well, China’s military expenditures continue to rise.
– If you want to look at cross-strait security purely by the numbers…
– Of course I don’t!

In barely three minutes, the interaction turns hostile. The two obviously disagree over their views on Taiwan’s military expenditures and Taiwan’s agency in cross-strait conflict.

- Whether Taiwan becomes like Ukraine or not is not for Taiwan to decide, but Xi Jinping. I’ll let you know…

– I completely disagree.
– It’s just you who disagrees.
– Aren’t you interviewing me? If you’re not willing to listen to me, why bother interviewing me?
– I’m not done with my question.

Tsou says he’s not done with his question, while Cheng feels like he’s cutting her off. Soon, Cheng dropped what’s arguably the biggest bombshell.

- It’s up to the dictators to make that decision, not to other democratic regimes.
- Putin is not a dictator. He was democratically elected.
- Putin’s not a dictator? You’ve just come up with a new international theory.

Netizens say the interview was more like getting Cheng into a debate.

Cheng Li-wun
KMT Chair-elect
People may hold certain presumptions or misunderstandings against us. Through opportunities for conversation, we hope that more people will get to understand the KMT. Putin also went through democratic elections and was elected with votes for him, so I was surprised he was called a dictator.

Wang Ting-yu
Lawmaker (DPP)
That kind of reasoning will leave anyone with the barest amount of common sense on international affairs gasping, whether in laughter or shock. Those who oppose Putin are either in jail or in heaven. This view of the universe is completely the same as the worldview created by the CCP.

KMT politicians never seem to have good experiences with the media outlet. Some may still remember how outgoing Chair Eric Chu called the end of an interview when time was up, also with Deutsche Welle.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#taiwanpolitics #kmt #dpp #DW #鄭麗文 #鄒宗翰

2025-10-31

Enoch Wu to vie for DPP candidacy in Taipei mayoral race

2025-10-31

Taiwan and Australia strengthen circular economy Ties

Dr. Anya Phelan, Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Griffith Business School, visited Taiwan to foster academic and cultural exchange. During her visit to Taiwan, Dr. Phelan delivered talks at NTNU and spoke in a forum focused about circular economy, sustainable innovation and inclusive entrepreneurship. As part of her cultural exploration, she also visited Taiwan’s largest Indigenous brand platform where she learned about community-led enterprises that are empowering Indigenous artisans across the island. FTV reporter Stephany Yang sat down with Dr. Phelan to find out more.

One of the highlights of Dr. Phelan’s trip was a visit to Taiwan’s largest Indigenous brand platform. The brand showcases original products from 16 Indigenous groups, including handcrafted textiles, jewelry, teas, and leather goods. Dr. Phelan met with the store owner to learn how Indigenous entrepreneurs are preserving cultural heritage while building global connections.

Dr. Anya Phelan
Griffith Business School senior lecturer
This particular store I find so inspiring and so uplifting. There is so much richness of the culture, but also the fact that these are hand-made, lovingly crafted products that are not mass produced, but they represent cultural strength and pride and connection to this land. The legacy of the indigenous people of Taiwan is incredibly significant because it has led to so many unique countries and cultures throughout the Pacific and has had a huge impact and is continuing to have a huge impact.

Lin Jing-xuan
Store owner
From our food to weaving and the utensils we use, everything is sourced locally and crafted using natural methods. The concept of sustainability begins with eco-friendly production, followed by low-carbon practices. When it comes to cultivation, our environment is absolutely friendly. Most importantly, we focus on cultural preservation-our crafts are made using locally sourced materials from Taiwan, transforming them into meaningful products.

Dr. Anya Phelan is a Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead in Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Griffith Business School in Australia. Her work focuses on circular innovation, circular economy, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. During her visit, Dr. Phelan gave lectures at a university and spoke at a forum about circular economy, sustainable innovation and inclusive entrepreneurship.Her speeches emphasized the importance of the circular economy and empowering marginalized communities through business models that honor tradition while embracing modern markets.

Dr. Anya Phelan
Griffith Business School senior lecturer
I do research around circular innovation, particularly place-based circular innovation. So, innovation that emerges from communities and local people who truly understand how to address the problem. Circular economy is an economic model and policy that is becoming more popular throughout the world but it is not necessarily implemented. It is very tricky to implement within the current economic systems that we have. It is also misunderstood and associated with only recycling but is so much. Taiwan is a leader in a lot of ways, a global leader in resource recovery, partly by necessity, partly because there is a lot of talent here. And, because it is a technological powerhouse. A lot of effort has gone to become as efficient as possible and stay competitive globally. The world has a lot to learn from Taiwan.

Dr. Phelan says that Taiwan stands out as a global leader in resource recovery and technological efficiency. She believes the world has much to learn from Taiwan’s innovative and sustainable practices.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#circulareconomy #indigenous #Australia #Taiwan #exchange #forum #entrepreneurship

2025-10-31

Unclear regulations cause liability issues in motorized scooter accidents

An increasing number of people are using motorized electric scooters to get around, but according to current laws, they are technically not allowed on the road. Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan only allow them to be used in private spaces, but other cities and counties lack clear regulations. The Consumers’ Foundation said that without clear rules, it’s unclear who is liable when accidents occur, and without proper insurance, compensation is also an issue.

After stepping on the scooter and kicking off, the rider can activate its motor and swiftly move forward without any physical effort. In recent years, motorized electric scooters have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation.

Unfortunately, there have also been an increasing number of collisions between motorized scooters, motorcycles, and cars. According to current regulations, these scooters are classified as personal mobility devices and are not allowed to take passengers or go over 25kph. They’re restricted from going on the road and may only be used where local governments stipulate. But so far, only Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan have announced regulations, restricting scooters to private or enclosed spaces.

Lee Ko-tsung
Consumers’ Foundation transportation committee chair
They might use the sidewalk, since it’s hard to define right-of-way. If there’s no sidewalk, they have to use the slow lane, which creates serious problems when mixing with road traffic.

Chen Ju-yin
Consumers’ Foundation vice chair
They can’t go on the road, so why can so many stores sell them?And they’re even quite expensive. Stores usually tell customers they can legally be used on the road, but won’t say which roads.

The foundation says regulations are unclear, so users are in a gray area both in terms of their right to use the road and liability insurance and compensation.

Chen Ya-ping
Consumers’ Foundation secretary-general
After an accident occurs, people start asking if this kind of vehicle can even be driven here. If it causes injuries or damages, and isn’t registered or licensed, then there might not be any insurance coverage or legal framework to handle the aftermath.

Motorized scooters, electric bicycles, and electric two-wheelers are all classified as “slow vehicles.” About 10 to 20% of accidents involve these new forms of transportation, but regulations have fallen behind.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#scooters #motorizedscooter #electricscooter #bicycle #electricbicycle #rightofway #roaduse #roadrights #transportation #accident #liability #ConsumersFoundation #regulations #legislation

2025-10-31

Taipei MRT removes seats, replaces with handrails

The Taipei MRT has been carrying out a carriage optimization scheme for peak hours on the Blue Line, aiming to improve traffic flow by removing some seats and poles, and adding handrails. In addition, for the first time, portions of the family-friendly carriage have been modified to give more space for wheelchairs, strollers, and luggage.

For the many commuters who take the MRT every day, their worst nightmare is to be pushed off of a packed train. The Taipei Metro has heard their complaints and is making changes to some of its carriages, removing seats, barriers, and poles to optimize the space for more passengers.

Passenger
Increasing the capacity would be helpful to these passengers. After all, some people would like to get to work earlier.

Passenger
Of course it’s busy during rush hour. Nowadays, many buses have low floors. Compared to the older buses, there are a lot fewer seats. But I think you just get used to it. It’s actually pretty good.

Passenger
Sometimes I can’t find a place to sit, so I end up leaning against the railing.

In its Blue Line optimization plan, the Metro is removing the center poles from cars 2 through 5, as well as some of the seats and barriers to make more space. It’s also encouraging passengers to move toward the center of the car. But some worry that the lack of seating will be tough on older folks.

Passenger
There are more older people these days. If you remove the seats, they can’t stand for very long. So I think the original design wasn’t bad. Removing them is better for commuters.

Passenger
I think it makes no difference for short trips. Just a few stops, no big deal. Just stand for a bit and you’ll get there in no time.

Voice of Chou Chih-lung
Taipei Metro operations deputy director
One big benefit is that from the fourth door of the third carriage to the first door of the fourth carriage, the three-person seat was removed to allow more space for strollers and improve traffic flow.

The Taipei MRT is continually optimizing its train cars to enhance capacity and accelerate passenger flow, as well as make them more accessible for passengers with strollers and wheelchairs.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Taipei #TaipeiMRT #commuters #publictransport #train #accessibility #redesign #trainseats #optimization #wheelchairs #strollers

2025-10-31

Frugal diners line up for value lunchbox in Keelung

There’s a lunchbox restaurant in Keelung that specializes in affordable meals. Diners only need to pay $50 to eat their fill. Such a good deal has made it a local favorite, with people lining up well before mealtimes. The long line even entices some passersby to join in, saying that you could never find a deal this good in Taipei.

It’s well before lunchtime, and the line for this lunchbox restaurant is already trailing down the sidewalk. If you get there at 1, you might be too late. Their traditional meals haven’t changed for decades. There are locals who have been eating here since they were kids, as well as visitors who are trying it for the first time after seeing the long line.

Customer
This is the first time I’m walking over here and saw it. It’s ridiculously cheap. It would easily be twice as expensive in Taipei.

Local customer
Ever since I was little, I’ve always found them to be affordable. The owner has been very generous these past few years.

This spot is a favorite among locals for being affordable. The owner doesn’t skimp on the sides, and the taste is comparable to any five-star restaurant for a fraction of the cost. The sign on the wall isn’t a lie. Each box really is just NT$50. For just a few coins, you can eat your fill. But due to its popularity, it’s getting harder to buy, and some patrons don’t want it to be publicized anymore.

Local customer
Don’t film here. If you show such a long line, it’ll make it harder to get. For just NT$50, you get a pork chop, egg, and three sides. It’s so cheap.

And it’s not just Keelung. People online have also shared spots in Taipei, Chiayi, and Tainan where you can get quality eats at affordable prices. People looking to keep a full belly as well as wallet don’t need to chase supermarket deals. There are still some places you can get generous portions for a fraction of the cost elsewhere.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#cheapeats #costofliving #Keelung #taiwanfood

2025-10-31

Baishatun Mazu visits New Taipei on iconic ‘pink supercar’

After years away, the Baishatun Mazu has returned to New Taipei on her iconic “pink supercar,” bringing hundreds of devoted followers out to the street. She was invited by two temples in Tucheng and Banqiao for a centennial joint procession. From early morning, crowds staked out their spots and broke out in cheers. Worshippers say they hope to pray for peace, health, and good fortune.

The street is packed with lively worshippers ready to chase after Mazu’s “pink supercar.”

After many years the Baishatun Mazu is back in New Taipei, at the invitation of the Beichen temple in Tucheng and the Cihui Temple in Banqiao. Over her three-day visit, she’ll follow a fixed route through the two districts. Her followers came nice and early to save a good spot.

Worshipper
Ready for Mazu
I got here at 7 in the morning, and it’s almost 10 now. There are so many people, especially here along Yumin Road, which is the front line. I’ll be praying for everyone’s business to flourish and everyone to be healthy and content.

Worshipper
Ready for Mazu
I’ve been waiting here for more than an hour. I’ll pray for everyone’s safety, for peace and prosperity. And for no more typhoons.

The Baishatun Mazu set off from Beichen Temple on Friday morning and will make two stops at the Wuyun and Sanyuan temples before reaching the Cihui Temple on Sunday for a historic centennial joint pilgrimage ceremony.

Wang Shih-chiao
Beichen Temple volunteer
Three years ago, the Baishatun Mazu came for a procession, but without her “pink supercar.” They brought it over this time, which is why everyone is so excited.

Hung Wen-hua
Gongtian Temple head
Mazu’s “pink supercar” draws huge crowds whenever it comes out. They previously invited Mazu privately, but this is her first time coming to Taipei on an official temple visit.

Mazu and her pink supercar brought out hundreds of believers out to the streets, bringing blessings to New Taipei.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#mazu #religion #folkreligion #newtaipei #racecar

2025-10-31

18-year-old escapes police check, gets slapped with 43 traffic fines

2025-10-31