Desserto

Desserto is a circular material made from the nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica). Nopal, a well-known medicinal cactus, has proven to be an excellent replacement for cow-made leather.

The material is partially biodegradable (the most advanced materials are 90% plant-based) and meets the technical specifications required by the fashion, furniture, sports and automotive industries. It complies fully with the most rigorous quality and environmental standards.

The cactus is an excellent CO2 sequester, and along with circular practices on the organic plantation, the company sequesters 529 times more CO2 than it generates

Thanks to the cactus’ strong molecular bonding, Desserto offers high durability and resistance to abrasion, rubbing, tearing, and tension. Its competitive features include handling humidity and liquids well. Also, it is fully customizable and breathable. 

The materials can be chemically or mechanically recycled.

Production Process

The 14-acre Desserto farm absorbs 8,100 tons of CO2 annually—while it generates only 15,30 tons. Here’s how that is possible:

1. Mature leaves are selected and cut. Cactus plants are not damaged—six to eight months are enough to harvest leaves again.
2. After cutting the mature leaves, they are sun-dried until achieving the desired humidity levels.
3. The raw material is then processed. The patented formula allows the creation of Desserto.
4. Eventually, Desserto materials are coloured with a bio-resin. Organic pigments are used along the natural cactus chlorophyll. 

Material Properties

- Durable

- Water Resistant

- Breathable

- Bacteria/Mildew Resistant

- No Stain/Easy to Clean

- Fire Retardant

Circular Properties

• Sequesters CO2 (Cactus has a great CO2 sequestering capacity)
• Sustainable
• PVC/Phthalate free
• From Fully Organic Plantations (Using only Rainwater)
• Raw material is left to regenerate without destruction
• Natural Sun-drying

Afterlife

• Recyclable
• Partially biodegradable (under anaerobic thermophilic conditions)

Supplier

Desserto

image source: Desserto, https://desserto.com.mx/