Desserto is a cactus-based vegan leather developed in Mexico as a more sustainable alternative to animal and synthetic leather, designed to be soft, durable, and suitable for fashion, furniture, and even automotive interiors. Created by two founders with backgrounds in the automotive and fashion industries, the material is positioned as cruelty-free and free from PVC and toxic chemicals.

Cactus-based vegan leather from Mexico

Developed by Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, Desserto is made from the nopal cactus (prickly pear) and was introduced as a plant-based alternative to traditional leather after about two years of research and development. The material is produced by Adriano Di Marti, a company based in Guadalajara, Mexico, and has been recognized in innovation circles for its sustainability credentials.

The cactus leather is described as soft to the touch yet high-performing, designed to meet technical specifications across various applications, including fashion, leather goods, upholstery, and automotive. It offers a way to reduce reliance on animal hides and petroleum-based synthetics while still delivering the look and feel designers expect from premium leather.