Collection of Bags Made from Piñatex: A Sustainable Design Project with the Sežana Incubator
A collaborative success story combining innovation, ecology, and entrepreneurship
I was honoured to be invited by the Sežana Incubator to mentor Gaja Hanzel, a talented designer and start-up entrepreneur. Gaja had already demonstrated a thoughtful and consistent approach to sustainable fashion through her clothing and beautiful cellulose-based bag designs. After our initial conversations and a review of her work, I suggested a collaboration that would connect her creative skills with high-value eco-materials from a previous project I had developed with the Login5 Foundation.
A Second Life for Remarkable Materials
The earlier collaboration with Login5 left behind unique surplus materials, including Piñatex—a non-woven fabric made from pineapple leaf fibres—and eco-certified cotton printed with natural dyes. These certified materials align perfectly with Gaja’s vision of sustainability, vegan fashion, and ethical design.
Recognising this opportunity, we proposed a new project: to design and develop a collection of bags made from Piñatex, with linings created from eco-printed cotton. The Login5 Foundation generously supported the project with additional financial backing.
What is Piñatex?
Piñatex is a revolutionary vegan alternative to leather. Sourced from agricultural waste (pineapple leaves), it is:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Breathable
- Biodegradable
- Sustainably produced
Learn more about this material at ananas-anam.com.
The Target Customer
Together, we defined the target user:
- Modern, conscious consumers
- Individuals who avoid leather products
- Buyers who prioritisecertified materials and transparent production
The emphasis was on ethically made, minimalist, functional bags for daily use—appealing in both design and philosophy.
From Prototype to Product
We analysed the material’s handling properties and cutting possibilities. One of the advantages of Piñatex is that it can be sewn using a domestic sewing machine, yet the execution still required professional skill.
That’s why we brought in Miha Pavli, an experienced leather artisan from Pavli Leathercraft, who embraced the challenge. Although Piñatex behaves differently than leather, Miha and his team approached the task with craftsmanship and adaptability. Thanks to their expertise, the bags were flawlessly constructed.
Every component—from linings, reinforcements, and zippers to handles—was carefully selected to complement the material and enhance durability, comfort, and aesthetics.
Design That Balances Beauty and Function
The final collection features:
- A large women’s handbag
- A laptop/computer bag
- A smaller cosmetic pouch (which can double as a clutch or organiser)
Each piece was designed with usability, lightweight comfort, and simplicity in mind. Future users tested the prototypes, and their feedback informed the final proportions, pocket placements, and overall feel.
A Complete Entrepreneurial Process
This project, carried out within the Sežana Incubator’s programme SIO-INKSEŽANA-2018-19, exemplifies a well-executed entrepreneurial journey:
- Clear target audience
- Strategic market positioning
- Thoughtful design and prototyping
- Experienced artisan collaboration
- Financial support and sustainability alignment
The entire process—from concept to product—was successfully completed.
And it doesn’t end here. The Login5 Foundation has also invited Gaja Hanzel to develop a second project: the creation of a planner, expanding her product offering and entrepreneurial path.
Where to Buy
The Piñatex bag collection is now available for purchase at the Gallery in Štanjel. Custom orders in additional colours are also available.
Photo: Ana Rojc
About the Sežana Incubator and EU Support
The Sežana Incubator’s activities under the SIO-INKSEŽANA-2018-19 operation are co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union, from the European Regional Development Fund, within the framework of the Operational Programme for European Cohesion Policy 2014–2020, Priority Axis 3: Dynamic and Competitive Entrepreneurship for Green Economic Growth.