Desserto: cactus “leather”
THE STORY
After two years of research and development, Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, both from Mexico, have developed a vegan alternative to leather made from nopal, a type of cactus . Adrian and Marte came up with the idea after working in the furniture, automotive and fashion industries, where they became aware of the pollution these sectors caused . Concerned about reducing their environmental impact and protecting animals , they decided to quit their jobs to focus on developing Desserto®, a cactus "leather".
AN ECO-RESPONSIBLE ALTERNATIVE
By creating this innovative material , the founders ' goal is to offer an eco-responsible , sustainable and cruelty-free alternative. The result: Desserto® , a material 100% vegan , made with mature leaves of the cactus without damaging the plant itself.
After being harvested, the cactus leaves are dried in the sun for a few days before being transformed using a patented formula. The material obtained is mixed with Bio-PU (bio-sourced polyurethane) and can then be dyed with plant -based dyes . It takes about 3 cactus leaves to create one linear meter of Desserto®.
The harvest can be repeated every 6 to 8 months on the same plants after they have slowly regenerated. This cactus "leather " is partially biodegradable and has characteristics comparable to animal or synthetic leather , in terms of durability , resistance and aesthetics .
Produced in a variety of colours, thicknesses and textures , Desserto® adapts to the requirements fashion , leather goods , and furniture .
Thanks to the strong molecular bonds contained in the cactus, Desserto® offers high resistance to abrasion, friction, tearing, traction and great durability . This organic material is therefore an excellent alternative to animal leather, especially for the production of vegan shoes .
The founders explain: “We consider our environmental footprint at every stage of our production process, which is why Desserto® has created a material that meets all environmental and performance standards, allowing designers to create beautiful accessories with elegant and sustainable materials .”
The bet is successful because the quality of this vegan cactus “leather” is there!
CACTUS CULTURE
The founders chose to grow the cacti on their own ranch. They explain: "Our cactus is grown in an organic farming system in the fertile region of Zacatecas, Mexico . 50% of our harvest is destined for the food industry. So both industries can coexist with a single crop ."
One of the main advantages of this plant is that it needs very little water. No irrigation system is necessary , the cactus grows with rainwater and the minerals of the earth that are rich in Zacatecas. The cactus is a resistant species , adapted to extreme conditions, able to survive in areas where nothing else will grow and it naturally regenerates the soil. In addition, it has the ability to absorb a large amount of CO2 .
Cactus cultivation is perennial since the plantation lasts about 8 years, unlike other plantations which must be harvested and replanted every year.
Cactus plantations contribute to biodiversity and blend in with wild flora and fauna .
This material is amazing and at Zebra Vegan Shop we are excited to introduce you to vegan Cactus “leather” sneakers !
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