What is cactus leather?

Cactus leather is the world's first highly sustainable and environmentally friendly organic material made of Nopal cactus, also known as the prickly pear. The cactus used in the production of our DESERTO collection is grown on a ranch in Zacatecas, Mexico. There, only the mature leaves are selected and cut without damaging the cactus itself. There is no irrigation system in place for the harvest of these cacti. Rain water and high mineral soils are enough to grow these resilient plants. No harm is done to the biodiversity of the environment, as no trees are cut down in order to make more room for plantations.

Once the leaves are cut, they are dried under the sun for 3 days until the desired humidity level is reached. There is no additional energy used in this drying process. The organic raw material is then processed to make it a part of the patented DESERTO formula. No pesticides or herbicides are used on the ranch and all remaining organic cactus material that is not utilized is exported and sold nationally to the food industry.

Why cactus?

Cactus has a great CO2 sequestering capacity, acts like a natural carbon sink, uses zero irrigation in its process, and naturally regenerates soil. With the ever-growing number of cacti, using this plant as a new alternative to leather is the solution to solving the leather industry's problems.