Two entrepreneurs in Mexico Adrián López and Marte Cázarez have created the first leather made from cacti called Desserto. Their goal was to make a cruelty free and environmentally friendly alternative to leather and they’ve succeeded.
Desserto is “partially biodegradable” and is comparable with traditional leather for use in the auto industry, furniture, fashion and others. It’s durable for at least 10 years, breathable, flexible and has the ability to replace animal leathers and synthetic leathers like vinyl that have a major impact on the environment.
López and Cázarez left their jobs in the pursuit of creating desserto. “After two years of research and development, we managed to produce a suitable material that complies with the features and technical/mechanical specifications required by those industries that use animal or synthetic leather,” López said “Also, thanks to its organic composition, it is breathable, which makes cactus or nopal vegan leather similar to animal leather.”
The two unveiled Desserto at the International Leather Fair Lineapelle in Milan last month and have gained momentum to work with many different industries on using their new vegan product.
We’ve seen over the last few years vegan leathers made from apples, pineapples, and even mushrooms. This new addition to the vegan possibilities available will help make wearing preserved animal flesh a thing of the past.
Vegan News 