In celebration of 2025 Intellectual Property Month, DOST-PTRI presents "Textiles & Intellectual Property," highlighting the institution's registered innovations and technologies.

To kick off the celebration, we present our registered patent, "Blended Spun Yarns Containing Indigenous Fibers and Fabrics Made Therefrom" or “Natural Yarns.” This innovation blends indigenous fibers such as pineapple, banana, or abaca with synthetic or natural plant fibers, spun using either a cotton or semi-worsted system. The blended spun yarns composed of 20-40% indigenous fibers are suitable for weaving and/or knitting to produce fabrics for different end-uses.  

Using Natural Yarns to create natural textiles is important for tackling the pressing issue of microplastics and microfibers. It also supports sustainability by promoting a circular economy. Moreover, the abundance of natural textile materials offers a valuable opportunity to harness these resources for even more eco-friendly practice and purposes. 

The garment featured in the photo was one of the pieces at KatHABI: Government Office Wear Reimagined, a textile innovation fashion show organized by the Institute on January 31, 2025, at the PICC in Pasay City. The event highlighted government corporate wear, showcasing designs by local manufacturers and designers using Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF). Among the collections presented were those from Joeffats Garment Manufacturing and The Hilyah’s Prêt-à-Porter Six-Look Capsule Collection. 

This eco-friendly material, sourced from nature, offers significant value and is designed to meet the standards for government corporate attire and compliance with the Republic Act 9242 or the PTF Law. It includes designs crafted by local uniform manufacturers and designers, all made with authentic PTF.