Mexican company Desserto offers eco-friendly innovation by creating a leather made from the nopal cactus, which grows locally in Mexico and needs hardly any water to grow. This alone makes it a winner over animal leather, which is very water-intensive. The founders of Desserto have said that the use of this material, in the place of animal skins or traditionally made synthetic leathers, may result in a 32-42% reduction in plastic waste, depending on the amount of cactus used.
The material is made from an organic cactus-derived formula, with a backing made from recycled polyester and recycled cotton. It is made to last: with a focus on durability, the company has ensured that the textile is resistant to water, rubbing, and tearing. It also has a smooth, high-quality finish.