The leather industry kills about one billion heads of cattle and sheep annually, not counting wild animals used for exotic leather production. Additionally, the production of traditional leather causes serious ecological damage, contributing to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
In response to these challenges, various vegan alternatives have emerged in recent years: leather made from pineapple peels, seaweed, mushrooms, and cork oak bark. Particularly noteworthy is the Mexican startup Desserto, which produces leather from cactus, or prickly pear.
The founders of the project, Adrian Lopez Velarde and Marte Cazares, began experimenting with growing cactus on a ranch, using rainwater and cutting mature leaves. Their material is already being used by companies such as Adidas, BMW, Michael Kors, and others—for clothing, footwear, and even car interiors.
The team aims to make their products as sustainable as possible and tailored to the requirements of different industries, reducing the harm caused by traditional leather production. The startup's work has been recognized by the jury of the Latin American Fashion Awards and has attracted the attention of renowned designers and major brands.
This project is an example of sustainable innovations that are transforming the industry and supporting animal and environmental protection.
