Cacti That Care
Caring for the Earth is one of the biggest responsibilities a human being can have. The amount of resources given to us has illuminated the path to advancing with technology, yet nature has risked this great priviledge to how we treat her in return.
Two entrepreneurs from Mexico, Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, were inspired by eco-friendly principles to devise a method that transforms cacti into vegan leather. The results are not only environmentally-conscious, but it also mimics the touch and feel to real fine leather. Even during quarantine, the juices of creativity still manage to flow right back to Mother Nature in some way!
Adrian and Marte worked in both the fashion and furniture automotive industries when they began contemplating the safety of the planet. The duo wanted to fight against environmental pollution and suddenly became inspired to realized their dream.
They then quit their jobs and gathered all their resources collectively. They brainstormed several ideas one after the other. After 2 years, the team finally succeeded in achieving their dream and were able to commercialize their cacti leather product.
Many have wondered how did cacti become the key component for the process you ask? Cacti can absorb water incredibly well, is durable, and survive even in low temperatures. Since production occurs in Mexico, they also have an immense supply of cacti for production.
Introducing ‘Desserto’
The official name of the vegan leather is “Desserto”. It is considered the world’s first environmentally friendly organic material made out of Nopal cactus. The color is a deep forest green that has reflective shine just like leather would. The material is toxic-free of chemicals and comes in a variety of packs that vary in texture, color, and thickness.
Adrian and Marte have a ranch residing in the state of Zacatecas. This is the ranch where the entrepreneurs grow, raise, and distribute their cacti.
To begin with, they would locate the mature leaves of the cacti and then cut them, clean them, mash it, and then place it somewhere with sunshine for about 3 days. Afterwards, they begin the processing steps for the materials so that the outcome can become part of the vegan leather formula.
The best thing about the product is the fact that it imitates real leather almost flawlessly. It has all the properties including elasticity, texture, and feel to the real thing. In a nutshell, “Desserto” vegan leather is the real deal when it comes to the quality of material and product. Let’s not forget that it is also eco-friendly.
These lovely handbags look almost exactly as any regular leather handbag would! Not only that, check out the sleek cacti-inspired logo etched on the purse. The two designers have really outdone themselves with this creation.
The internet also has somethings to say, and thankfully mostly good! This is expected when creativity meets capability and the two ignite a brilliant creation.
The efforts made by these two cannot go unnoticed. They have really turned the tables upside down when it comes to producing a great product while keeping with the awareness of our planet. Looking ahead, this could also benefit in creating a path towards other products that use the same material. Maybe another project is in the works for Adrian and Marte? Only time will tell, but we hope it’s nothing short of genius.
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