This study explores the extraction, characterization, and properties of Pineapple Leaf Fibers (PALF) from Azores pineapples. The research focuses on the unique characteristics of PALF, which can be used for various textile applications due to their high-quality and competitive properties. The study compares two extraction methods: hand scraping and biological retting at 25 °C, and examines the effects of plant age (11 and 18 months) and leaf position (beginning, middle, and tip) on the fiber properties. Key findings include: - Long fibers (up to 70.8 cm) were successfully extracted using both methods. - The 14-day biological retting process at 25 °C yielded the thinnest and strongest fibers, with diameters ranging from 34.9 to 168.3 μm, linear densities from 1.39 to 7.07 tex, tensile strengths from 37 to 993 MPa, elongation at break from 1.0% to 3.9%, and Young’s modulus from 2.4 to 21.8 GPa. - Variations in fiber properties were observed among different leaf positions and plant ages, with fibers from the initial part of the leaf generally being thicker and stronger. - XRD analysis showed no significant differences in the crystallinity index of cellulose, suggesting that hemicellulose and lignin were preserved. - The study highlights the potential of Azores pineapple waste as a sustainable resource for the textile industry, contributing to a circular economy and local economic development. The research provides valuable insights into the extraction and characterization of PALF, emphasizing the importance of optimizing extraction methods to enhance fiber quality and performance.This study explores the extraction, characterization, and properties of Pineapple Leaf Fibers (PALF) from Azores pineapples. The research focuses on the unique characteristics of PALF, which can be used for various textile applications due to their high-quality and competitive properties. The study compares two extraction methods: hand scraping and biological retting at 25 °C, and examines the effects of plant age (11 and 18 months) and leaf position (beginning, middle, and tip) on the fiber properties. Key findings include: - Long fibers (up to 70.8 cm) were successfully extracted using both methods. - The 14-day biological retting process at 25 °C yielded the thinnest and strongest fibers, with diameters ranging from 34.9 to 168.3 μm, linear densities from 1.39 to 7.07 tex, tensile strengths from 37 to 993 MPa, elongation at break from 1.0% to 3.9%, and Young’s modulus from 2.4 to 21.8 GPa. - Variations in fiber properties were observed among different leaf positions and plant ages, with fibers from the initial part of the leaf generally being thicker and stronger. - XRD analysis showed no significant differences in the crystallinity index of cellulose, suggesting that hemicellulose and lignin were preserved. - The study highlights the potential of Azores pineapple waste as a sustainable resource for the textile industry, contributing to a circular economy and local economic development. The research provides valuable insights into the extraction and characterization of PALF, emphasizing the importance of optimizing extraction methods to enhance fiber quality and performance.