Humans have evolved, by exploiting millions of animals for food, clothing, and tools. Did you know that over one billion animals are killed per year, to meet the demands of global leather industry?
This cruel procedure of deriving the skin involves usage of lot of chemicals. Not only these chemicals are very harmful for the environment, but also make the leather item non-biodegradable.
Mexican entrepreneurs, Adrian Lopez Velarde and Marte Cazarez, have found a way of creating “leather” out of cactus. This innovative technique is known as Desserto.
The material so produced is very soft and is very similar to real leather. Lopez said, “After two years of research and development, we managed to produce a suitable material that complies with the features and technical/mechanical specifications required by those industries that use animal and synthetic leather,”
Good for environment
The fabric so produced is free of toxic chemicals, phthalates and PVC. Moreover as Cactus is a desert plant, it doesn’t consume as much water. This natural and cruelty-free, leather is available in different colours.
These Mexican guys have used natural dyes for processing the leather. Made from plant, this leather is partially biodegradable.
