Can cacti be made into vegan leather?

When it comes to cacti, I believe everyone is very familiar with them. As one of the most drought-resistant plants in the world, they have long been known for their many uses.

But what surprised me was that the well-known cactus could actually be made into vegan leather, becoming one of the friendly alternatives to animal leather. Today, let’s take a look at how cactus leather products can help you realize your dream of vegan fashion.

From shoes made from cactus leather to clothing, it proves that completely animal-free leather is not only feasible but also very stylish.

01

CLAE Bradley sneakers

Los Angeles brand CLAE has partnered with DESSERTO(R), the 2020 Green Product Award winner and creator of highly sustainable plant-based leather, to launch the brand’s first sneaker made from cactus leather.

This minimalist sneaker, named Bradley, comes in three colors (white, black, green).

The lining is made of cotton canvas, and the sole is made of natural rubber; It uses environmentally friendly recycled cardboard packaging.

This shoe, made from cactus leather, is a 100% organic vegan shoe in terms of materials.

Why is it called organic? Because its raw material, cacti, is grown on organic plantations.

These cacti are grown in Zacatecas, Mexico. To protect local biodiversity, the plantation is grown at an altitude of 2,500 meters using rainwater and minerals, without the use of pesticides or herbicides during growth, making it a completely natural cultivation.

It is worth mentioning that this leather has passed the USDA organic certification.

02

The Carmona collection

If you don’t like sneakers, that’s okay—cactus leather is versatile and can almost replace any leather used in shoes.

The Mexican brand Carmona Collection has created a complete collection using Desserto’s vegan leather, with different colors, shapes, and sizes.

03

Luxtra Maya tote bag

London-based vegetarian sustainable brand Luxtra has launched a new cactus leather bag collection, featuring two stunning Maya tote bags: Cherry Red and Cactus Green.

For those looking for smaller items, Luxtra has also created a cute red Nina mini handbag!

The collection is a highly sustainable, plant-based vegan leather

04

AC backpack

A 13-inch laptop can fit in the back of the backpack; Inside, there is a private pocket for equipping keys; There’s a secure zippered pocket on the outside for carrying your phone, which is probably the kind of backpack many people have always dreamed of.

Similarly, it is also made from cactus leather (Desserto).

05

Deadwood River jacket

Swedish sustainable recycled leather vintage brand Deadwood Studios has launched a brand-new cactus leather collection to cater to vegetarians.

This classic River jacket comes in both men’s and women’s styles, with three colors to choose from—green, red, and beige.

06

Miomojo Telca briefcase

A refined girl? Miomojo’s Telca briefcase is perfect for you.

100% vegan handbag, made from cactus leather.

A key feature of this refined, vintage yet modern bag is its large zippered compartment, side buttons, and a hidden front pocket for easy access to your phone, keys, or anything else you want. For greater comfort and flexibility, the handle is adjustable.

07

Desserto cactus leather

Have you noticed that all the cactus leather products mentioned above come from Desserto!

Mexican entrepreneurs Adrian Lopez Velarde and Marte Cazarez discovered the secret of cacti—their potential to become artificial leather.

Before that, the two worked in leather work in the automotive, furniture, and fashion industries. After understanding its environmental impact, they decided to take some measures. Their goal is to invent a sustainable material with leather properties.

After two years of research and development, they proposed a patented cactus leather production process. Later, the two founded the Desserto brand, which now specializes in cactus leather and related leather goods.

Their leather products are made 100% from cacti. Thanks to its high durability, the range of products made is quite broad, including shoes, wallets, bags, and even suitable for clothing design.

This cactus leather is animal-friendly, organic, partially biodegradable, and as soft as leather. It contains no phthalates, toxic chemicals, or PVC, and is considered a very durable material.

08

How cactus leather is made

The production process of cactus leather is highly sustainable.

It started at a certified organic cactus farm in Zacatecas, Mexico. To make cactus leather, only ripe leaves are harvested. Harvesting is done every 6 to 8 months to give the plants time to regenerate. After cutting the mature leaves, let them dry in the sun for a few days.