The world's first highly sustainable and environmentally friendly organic material made from nopal.

Vegetable leather produced from the cactus has caused a great impact in the fashion industry in Latin America. The material, which is a sustainable alternative to animal and synthetic leather, is being embraced by designers and brands looking for a more environmentally friendly option.

The leading brand in the production of vegetable leather in the region.desert A proudly Mexican company has managed to produce it in an innovative and sustainable way, using nopal as raw material and avoiding a negative impact on the environment at each stage of the process.

The production of leather of animal origin is highly polluting and its use has been associated with animal cruelty and the use of harmful chemical products. That is why vegetable leather, especially bio-based and regenerative materials, are being considered as the best sustainable alternative of 2023.

Emphasizing our ethical commitment and concern for the environment. Desserto has become our supplier, we convert their material into beautiful handcrafted pieces such as straps and accessories.

Water

With great care, only the mature leaves of the cactus are selected and cut, preserving the plant so that it can give a new harvest every 6-8 months. In addition, nature is wise and provides the cactus with everything it needs to grow in its environment, without the need for an artificial irrigation system. Rainwater and the minerals in the region's rich soil feed the cactus, allowing it to survive even in the cold temperatures of winter.

Co2

The cactus absorbs CO2 at night because only when the environment is cool does the plant open its stomata capturing CO2, generating oxygen and absorbing water present in the atmosphere that normally comes from morning dew.

The cactus (CAM) only needs 200 liters, however, these 200 liters are absorbed by the plant itself through its natural hygroscopic mechanism.

The cactus is a natural carbon sink, it has a great capacity to capture CO2.

In Desserto they have 588 hectares, which are capable of absorbing 8,100 tons of CO2 per year, while the farm only generates 15.30 tons of CO2 annually.

Fingerprint

In Desserto no trees have been felled, on the contrary, as they have planted a cactus native to the region, the plantations coincide with the biodiversity and mix with the wild flora.

No additional energy is used in the drying process as it is sun dried.

No herbicides or pesticides are used. Any remaining organic cactus material not used in their process is exported and sold domestically in the food industry.

Animal leather

It is argued that the skin is a by-product of the meat industry, and from an environmental point of view (without considering the vegan perspective), this statement is true. It is said that the leather would end up in the trash anyway.

However, it must be taken into account that the meat industry causes enormous environmental damage worldwide.

It is estimated that every second 2,000 animals die in the world. Approximately 345 million a day, to which must be added some 90 million tons of fish that are taken every year to feed the animals.

Animal leather tanning

Although obtaining leather from meat industry waste is justified, leather production releases large amounts of toxic chemicals and acidic effluents that contain heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium, lead, arsenic, cobalt, copper, iron, zinc and manganese.

FDA certification

The United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) is responsible for programs and services related to rural development, animals, food, nutrition, natural resources, the environment, and forests.

The nopal skin created byDesserto is certified by its acronym in English as " Certified Biobased Product " which means that it is given a certification as a product that in a percentage of 65% comes from a renewable source, such as plants, animals , marine or forest industry products. The use of renewable biological materials replaces the need for non-renewable petroleum-derived chemicals.

Care guide

  • Do not place hot objects on the material.
  • Avoid rubbing or rubbing forcefully.
  • Remove all liquid or food spills immediately.
  • Regularly clean areas of sweat and body oils.
  • Regularly clean the contact areas with a soft, clean cloth dampened with water.
  • Keep pets and sharp objects away from the material.
  • Never use strong chemicals or household cleaning products.