These Guys Have Managed to Create Cactus Leather!

Leather made from cactus? It may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s actually a reality.

A group of innovative individuals have successfully created a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather using cactus plants. Here is how they did it.

The Beginning of Cactus Leather

Two men from Mexico took on the mission of ending the brutality of genuine leather bags, shedding light on an often-overlooked aspect of the industry. They are now creating a vegan option and are introducing cactus leather to the world called Desserto.

Why Is This So Important?

The environmental impact of leather production is concerning due to its heavy water consumption by the animals and the chemical-intensive treatment process. This not only harms the environment but also renders leather items non-biodegradable.

Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, two entrepreneurs, have discovered a solution that addresses the concerns surrounding both traditional leather and faux leather made from plastic.

The hybrid materials offer an advantage by replacing some fossil raw materials with agricultural waste. For instance, apple leather, incorporates apple powder sourced from fruit juice production waste, with the fruit content making up about 20-30%, and the rest consisting of PU, polyester, and cotton.

Desserto is composed of 33% cactus and 67% PU in the coating. It has a standard material backing of 55% polyester and 45% cotton. These companies also provide customization options for fashion brands, allowing for variations in the bio-content of the final product.

The Company

Adriano Di Marti has developed a groundbreaking technique and also named the company Adriano Di Marti. It uses cactus leaves to create a fabric that mimics the feel of genuine leather. This innovative approach not only replicates the texture of leather but also addresses environmental concerns, as cactus requires minimal water to grow compared to traditional leather production methods.

Additionally, Adriano Di Marti uses natural dyes in their leather processing, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring durability for up to a decade. The fabric comes in a variety of colors to accommodate different styles, and because it’s derived from plants, it’s partially biodegradable.

The remarkable aspect is that despite being organic and eco-friendly, cactus leather is priced nearly the same as genuine leather. This affordability hasn’t limited its applications, as it’s been successfully used to create car seats, bags, shoes, and clothing items.

What do you think of the cactus leather?

You might also want to read: The Entire History of the Infamous Hermès Birkin Bag