Mexican Entrepreneurs Create Vegan Cactus Leather

Two entrepreneurs in Mexico have developed a durable vegan leather from cactus, and it could very well replace animal leather!

Adrian Lopez Velarde and Marte Cazarez came together to create a cruelty-free alternative to animal leather, and just last month, they debuted Desserto, a first-of-it’s-kind organic leather made entirely from nopal or prickly-pear cactus.

Apart from being natural and cruelty-free, the material also meets the specifications of several industries and can be used in:

• Fashion
• Leather goods
• Furniture
• Automobiles

It’s also flexible, breathable and durable, making it an ideal replacement for animal and synthetic leather. The touch and feel of the material is also soft and very similar to real leather. “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 and synthetic leather,” said Lopez.

The product is also highly sustainable with a lower carbon footprint than other leather alternatives. It also happens to be:

• Less water intensive
• Free from phthalates
• Free from toxic chemicals
• PVC-free

The duo showcased the product last month at the International Leather Fair Lineappelle in Milan, Italy.

Plant-based leather alternatives are a growing market, with innovators turning to pineapple, olives and coconuts to produce eco-friendly materials. Earlier this year, high-street retailer H&M unveiled a vegan jacket made from pineapple leather, while German footwear brand thies launched a line of leather shoes made from olive leaves. Closer to home, Kerala-based brand Malai fashions leather and accessories from coconuts!

What do you think of the plant-based leather trend? Share your thoughts!

_{*Feature image courtesy Fashion United}

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