This revolutionary vegan skin is crafted from the discarded waste of the tequila industry in Mexico.
In a remarkable display of innovation and environmental consciousness, Mexican entrepreneurs Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez Duarte have introduced the world to Desserto Agave, a revolutionary vegan skin made from agave cacti.
Building on their earlier success with Desserto, a sustainable biomaterial created from cactus, the duo has now set their sights on transforming the tequila industry’s waste into eco-friendly fashion.
Turning Waste into Fashion:
The tequila industry, a symbol of Mexican culture and a significant economic contributor, generates an astonishing amount of waste annually. Leaves and bagasse, amounting to approximately 36,000 tons per year, are traditionally sold or donated to brick kilns, where they are burned as cheap fuel, resulting in air pollution and ash production.
The founders of Desserto saw an opportunity to address this issue by repurposing the discarded agave waste.
The Birth of Desserto Agave:
López Velarde and Cázarez Duarte’s extensive research led them to discover that the agave plant, used in tequila production, possessed the ideal fibers for their biomaterial. By harnessing the untapped potential of agave leaves and bagasse, they developed Desserto Agave. This new material offers the same versatility as nopal leather, a previous creation of the entrepreneurs, and can be used in the production of bags, purses, and accessories. Notably, it boasts several advantages, including a softer feel and an organic content of up to 89%. Moreover, the natural, earthy aroma of agave leather sets it apart with a subtle and mature scent.
A Sustainable Future:
Desserto Agave’s emergence offers a sustainable solution for both the fashion and tequila industries. By utilizing the tequila waste that was previously disposed of, the environmental impact is significantly reduced. The innovation provides an avenue for the tequila industry to continue growing and internationalizing while embracing sustainable practices. López Velarde and Cázarez Duarte’s vision of a more sustainable future for these industries could revolutionize the face of sustainable fashion.
Looking Ahead:
While Desserto Agave is still in its early stages, the potential it holds for transforming the fashion industry is immense. The versatility and eco-friendly nature of this biomaterial make it a promising alternative to traditional animal skins and synthetic materials. As the founders further develop Desserto Agave, we eagerly anticipate seeing its implementation across the industry, ushering in a new era of sustainable fashion.