Desserto

Desserto, developed by the Mexico based start-up Adriano Di Marti, is an organic plant-based vegan leather made from nopal cactus leaves. The high sustainability and durable performance of Desserto make it a great alternative to animal leather.

It was after learning about the plastic pollution crisis that the Co-Founders, Adrian Lopez Velarde and Marte Cazarez, came up with the idea of creating a sustainable and environment-friendly alternative to animal leather. After two years of research and development, they were finally successful in turning cactus leaves into cactus based leather.

Mature cactus leaves are cut and dried under the sun for three days until the required humidity levels are achieved. There is no oven or additional energy used in this process. The organic raw material is then processed to make the cactus vegan-leather - Desserto. This product has features comparable to animal leather, which include elasticity, breathability, and customizability.

Desserto has been certified by a number of organisations including PETA, ISO, UKAS Management systems, USDA organic, DAkkS and BCS OKO Garantie. Desserto has also received several awards and recognitions including:

• Material ConneXion Seal of Material Excellence
• Nominated by the Green Product Award 2020
  

Animal leather is not natural and potential human carcinogens like formaldehyde and chromium are used as tanning agents while treating the animal skin. It is non-biodegradable and remains in landfills and water bodies, thereby polluting it. Desserto, being processed in completely organic conditions is partially biodegradable and contains no toxic chemicals, phthalates and PVC.

This safe, eco-friendly and organic leather is also a successful alternative to synthetic leather.

Desserto is now available for purchase through the company's website. With the wide range of features it offers, the material is perfect for the fashion industry, leather goods, furniture and automotive industries.