Desserto

Scenario

For years, experts in the field have been looking for alternatives to animal-derived leather, both because of ethical issues related to the exploitation of animals but also because of theenvironmental impact of producing leather products. In addition to pollution and the use of resources from raising cattle for leather production, even turning leather into hide requires the use of a lot of energy and large amounts of water, as well as the use of hazardous chemicals, such as formaldehyde, cyanide-based oils, and dyes.

This is why non-animal materials, the so-called leatherette, were invented, which solve the ethical problem on the use of animal skins, but unfortunately in terms of environmental sustainability they are almost as impactful as animal skin. Imitation leather is mainly made of PU (polyurethane leather) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is a poly-bonded material and therefore problematic and contributes to environmental damage during production and disposal.

Description

In the heart of Mexico, in the state of Zacatecas, Adrián Lopez Velarde and Marte Cázarez founded the company Adriano de Marti in 2017 with one focus: to develop a wide range of cactus-based materials.

The Desserto project was born after two years of relentless research and development culminating in an innovative vegan bio-material presented at the fashion capital, Milan, in 2019. This material, however, is not only an alternative to traditional leather but surpasses it in sustainability, performance and aesthetics. This product is the fruit of two visionaries who dreamed of a world in which fashion is not only style but also sustainability and respect for nature, the workers employed in the industry, and the earth’s resources.

In fact, the Opuntia cactus crops used for the production of this fantastic material are not irrigated but only the water in the soil is used, the plants are not cut at the base, but only the mature leaves are used in the production, so that the plants are not damaged and a new crop is obtained every 6-8 months. In addition, the leaves are dried in the sun for 3 days, avoiding the use of any oven treatment and other energy-consuming processes, then they are mixed with non-toxic chemicals. Finally, the processing waste is reused nationwide by the food industry.

Vegan leather is completely free of bisphenol A, PVC and phthalates, is unaffected by moisture and water, breathable, resistant to bacteria, fire and UV, as well as being widely customizable. This material is so ductile and durable that it is used yes in fashion, to make various accessories, but also in the furniture and automotive industries.

Desserto demonstrates great application potential, evidenced by numerous certifications and awards. It was awarded the seal of material of excellence by the MaterialConneXion platform, which exhibited it at its New York headquarters. It won the 2020 Green Product Award in the materials category and the Sustainability Award from Monte Carlo Fashion Week 2020. It also received certification as a vegan material from the international body PETA and a special mention and second place in theLVWH 2020 InnovationAward (the multinational luxury corporation that amalgamates Louis Vuitton, among others).

Desserto represents an important step toward a sustainable future, a future as green as cactus leaves.