What exactly is cactus leather? A type of plant, called nopal cactus, go into manufacturing unit to make cactus leather. The nopal cactus is a desert plant that thrives abundantly without the need for water.

1. 100% Vegan
2. Plant+Synthetics
3. Reduce CO2, Save Water

It was created in the year 2019. New to faux leather industry. And getting popular nowadays.
But, it is worthwhile? Or long-lasting?

You’ll find your answer in this post. Let’s get started! :))

—– What Is Cactus Leather? —–

1. What

Is it genuine leather? No, it doesn’t. Cactus leather is created from the nopal cactus (also known as the prickly pear or Indian fig optunia) with a recycled polyester and cotton backing. In essence, it is a form of organic and partly biodegradable material that may be utilized in fashion, furniture, and automobile interiors.

2. Use

What are people doing with it? This one-of-a-kind material is utilized in purses, shoes, clothing, and furniture. Mercedes-Benz used leather substitutes, including cactus, in the cabin of a concept electric vehicle that will be released in January 2022.

Vegan brands are also seizing the opportunity to be among the first to use cactus leather: French-chic label uses it for its exquisitely crafted handbags; use it alongside Pinatex and Grape Leather for their on-trend vegan footwear; Mexican brands champion local innovation by using cactus leather for their vegan bags and vegan shoes; and London-based vegan handbag brand LUXTRA also experiments with cactus leather.

3. History

It is a relatively recent addition to the imitation leather and textile industries. Cactus leather was shown for the first time in Italy in 2019.

As the innovators saw the effects of the plastic pollution issue, they had the idea to turn the qualities of the nopal cactus plant into vegan leather.

—– How Is Cactus Leather? —–

1. Quality

Is Cactus Leather of high quality? Others claim that it is very durable and will last at least ten years. The cactus leather’s color will not fade over time. **However, since it is a completely *new* form of imitation leather, it will take years to confirm its endurance. Let’s see how it goes in a few years.

2. V.S. Leather?

Better than leather? I won’t say that it is better then natural leather. It depends on how you define “good” and “better”.

3. Touch?

How does cactus leather feel? It is very breathable, water-resistant, and skin-friendly.

4. Cheap?

It is more expensive.

—– How Is Cactus Leather Made? —–

1. Harvest

Only mature pads (cactus leaves) are taken twice a year to ensure that the cactus is not injured and may continue to thrive.

2. Bio-resin

They are then washed, broken into smaller pieces, and dried for at least three days in the sun. The drying procedure might take up to five days, depending on humidity conditions. The dried mulch is removed from the fibers. The powdered protein is then removed, brought to a laboratory, and combined with various dye-containing formulations to make a liquid bio-resin. [Notes] While polyurethane is utilized in the resin recipe, it is bio-based. Organic dyes are also utilized to color the cloth.

3. Create it

To make cactus leather, the resin is put on top of a carrier material. The material used is determined by the final use of the textile, however recycled cotton, polyester, or mixes of both are often utilized.

—- Yes, Very Vegan+Eco —–

Cactus regenerates soil organically and acts as a carbon sink.
It saves a lot of water since no irrigation is required.
It’s cruelty-free and vegan.

1. Animal-friendly

Current developments in the field of sustainably produced leather show that the market is shifting away from animal skins and plastic, and toward plant-based alternatives derived from nature. Cactus leather looks to have a promising future.

2. Decrease CO2 emissions

Its ability to absorb carbon is perfect in light of the rising worries about climate change and greenhouse emissions. Moreover, studies have shown that cactus systems are more effective in retaining carbon in the soil. Carbon sequestration in soil implies more productive growing regions and less carbon in the atmosphere. Since carbon dioxide is, being able to extract it from the atmosphere would aid in slowing global climate change.

3. Save Water

It grows in dry circumstances and is drought resilient, which is a crucial feature for water saving. Its durability also makes it perfect in an industry that is highly dependent on weather and climatic conditions, making it beneficial to farmers.

---

Check on other vegan leather options :

1. Silicone Leather
2. Micro Fiber Leather
3. Composition Leather
4. Mushroom Leather
5. Pinapple Leather

[About Us] EcoLeathery
EcoLeathery is a manufacturer of vegan/Eco leather based in Hangzhou, China. We have extensive experience punch perforating and precision micro-perforating leather fabrics.

[Author] Billy Lee
Billy is the Product Manager at Ecoleathery. He loves coming up with new ideas on products development. 15+ years experience in the textile and synthetic leather fabric indutries.