Cactus Leather: How Is it Made?
Few materials evoke the same classic look and feel of genuine leather. But today’s eco-minded consumer may not be so keen on the use of animal hides to make their favorite leather products. Petroleum-based alternatives have had their moment in the sun, but these products can be highly pollutive. Enter cactus leather: the clean, humane, sustainable alternative to pleather and animal leather.
Cactus Leather 101
Cactus leather is a recently developed alternative to animal and plastic-based leather. Today, it can be found in a variety of consumer products, from cactus leather phone cases to shoes, handbags, and even car interiors.
What is cactus leather?
It comes from the leaves of the nopal cactus, also known as the prickly pair. By extracting the fibers of the cactus leaves and blending them with an accessory material, a sturdy, smooth leather alternative is born.
How does cactus leather feel?
Unlike most other vegan leather alternatives, this material is remarkably breathable. It is durable, smooth, and supple, like traditional animal leather. As a result of these properties, it has been readily incorporated into the fashion industry.
How is Cactus Leather Made?
Cactus leather is made with – you guessed it – plant material from cactuses. More specifically, most of it comes from the Nopal cactus, which is endemic to Mexico. It thrives in arid regions, requires little water, and will continue to grow once the leaves are harvested for leather making. Talk about a self-sustaining material source indeed!
During harvest time, the leaves are removed from the plant, mashed to a pulp, dried naturally in the sun for several days, and then separated. The desired fibers are blended with other materials–generally recycled cotton or plastics–to produce this sustainable material.
How to Care for Cactus Leather
This material is remarkably durable and naturally water resistant, both prized features of traditional animal product. However, to keep your cactus leather purses and other products looking and feeling as good as the day they were made, try these simple steps for care and longevity.
How to Wash Cactus Leather
Good news: washing this sustainable material is easy! Just use the following tips:
- Wipe your product clean right away after any spills.
- Use a mild, water-based soap or detergent diluted in water.
- A soft cloth is the best way to dab and wipe it.
- Never use harsh chemicals or excessive heat to clean your product.
Other Care Tips
To get the longest lifespan out of your products, try these tips for care:
- Avoid contact with hot, sharp, or abrasive objects to prevent needless wear.
- Store it in a cool, dry place.
- Periodic applications of a mild, natural leather conditioner can help prevent wear and cracking.
Our Take on It
All in all, it’s durable, breathable, versatile, and smooth. The nopal consumes little water, doesn’t need to be killed to be used in leather making, and is a wonderful source of natural carbon capture. Therefore, next time you go shopping for a leather item, make sure you look for a sustainable product. For the best blend of sustainability and elegance, this material can’t be beat.
Featured image via Angeles Balaguer from Pixabay