Fashion is one of the businesses that pollutes the most and a group of young people has innovated by creating a “vegan leather” made with cactus and thus have durable and sustainable products.
Shoes that do not pollute
Fashion is one of the most polluting companies on the planet due to the use of resources for production -especially water-. Fortunately, more and more people are aware of buying items that have a lower polluting impact.
Some young people in Mexico created the “vegan nopal leather” that has powerfully attracted the attention of different sectors such as fashion, the automotive industry and, of course, furniture and offices.
One of the interested parties was CLAE, a Los Angeles-based footwear brand that sought to offer the world’s “first” shoes made from vegan nopal leather.
It has a soft touch and performance for several applications, from home to specialty industries.
And how are the sneakers?
They are called “Cactus” and it was built with this new and innovative material produced with the most rigorous quality and environmental regulations. The canvas lining is organic cotton, the insole is made of EVA and the heel detail is neoprene.
They are also equipped with bands produced with nylon made from plastic waste, while the sole is produced with a 100% common elastic. This elastic characteristic comes from the latex sap of Hevea trees and is harvested from reasonably extensive mountain forests.
The shoes also come wrapped in ecological material such as reused cardboard.
And where is the material taken from?
Nopal plantations are cultivated in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico, exclusively with rainwater at an altitude of 2,500 meters. It is a 100% organic plantation, free of chemical products, which preserves local biodiversity.
The production process of the vegan material starts from the collection of the mature leaves of the prickly pear plant every eight months to give it time to regenerate.
The sheets are left to dry in the sun for a few days before being transformed into this innovative material thanks to Desserto’s patented formula.
This vegan cactus leather is one of the most innovative sustainable alternatives in the textile industry, due to its low ecological footprint, softness and durability.
Some benefits of vegan leather
It has been approved by PETA and is certified organic by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).
Does not harm biodiversity
Requires a small amount of water and minerals
The leaves are cut every six to two months to give the plant enough opportunity to recover and help save the biodiversity of the territory.
Undoubtedly, these types of materials have a future in the world because they are sustainable and can be incorporated naturally into existing businesses. These materials are truly useful for the new generations that will take care of the planet.
Source: Viajero Peligro
