The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Risqué Designs and Accessories Inc. for the development of the textile value chain, particularly on footwear.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the "collaborative agreement” was inked between the PTRI and Risqué Designs for the “Development of Nonwoven Finishing Technologies toward Alternative Leather” project.
He described Risqué Designs as “an innovation leader in the local footwear industry.”
During the signing ceremony on Sept. 22, Risqué Designs was represented by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kristal Leen D. Guzman, who was joined by Kevin Theodore T. Skinker.
“The project aims to pilot test alternative leather materials developed from banana textile fibers,” de la Peña said.
“In the short to the medium term, the project aims to encourage innovations to Philippine footwear with access to sustainably produced non woven textiles,” he added.