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cactus leather.

Cactus leather or Desserto was developed in 2019 and can be categorized as a manufactured, natural polymer, cellulose fiber. Its manufacturing process starts with harvesting mature cacti leaves and then squashing them into a purée-like-state, which is then laid in the sun to be dried. After that, it’s mixed with non-toxic chemicals and made into a colored and textured material. As their process is patented, it’s not possible to give a further detailed explanation.

This provides extremely lucrative yields since for one meter of cactus leather only 3 cacti leaves are needed. Cactus leather saves huge amounts of water since cacti grow perfectly fine when only rainfed.

Cactus naturally regenerate its soil and no herbicides or pesticides are used, making it a great cruelty-free leather alternative with no toxic chemicals added to its production process.

Cactus leather production is still a very intransparent process making assurance of sustainability very difficult.

+ PROS

what it gives.

  • is soft to touch
  • is durable
  • has elastic qualities
  • is breathable
  • is stain resistant

− CONS

what it asks.

ADVICE

what to look for.

I truly wish it to be sustainable, but it’s hard to judge as there is very little information available. As long as communication about a product is not transparent, I tend to believe that the product cannot be as good as they claim it to be. At least a certification would be needed in my opinion. But let’s keep hoping!

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

where this comes from.

Interview with the founders and visit of the Headquarters

https://desserto.com.mx/

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