Mexican inventors Adrian Lopez and Marte Cazarez developed the first genuine leather made entirely from prickly pear cactus (nopal), offering a sustainable, stylish and environmentally friendly alternative to the skin. This month, they introduced the innovative leather substitute to leading designers at the Lineapelle International Leather Fair in Milan.

According to Mexican media reports, both worked for two years, creating an alternative to the skin, which, they claim, is not only environmentally sustainable and completely plant, but also breathable. It can be used for ten years.

Consumers and brands are increasingly turning away from low-quality faux leather made from petroleum-based plastics, which is difficult to clean and much less breathable than genuine animal skin.

Opuntia cactus has long been a national symbol of Mexico, as well as an essential element of the Mexican diet. Since pre-Hispanic times, an antioxidant-rich cactus has been prepared in countless ways in Mexican cuisine, whether in combination with salads, meat, poultry, avocados, eggs, cheeses, or with the addition of corn tortillas, sweets, and fruit juices.

Prickly pears are also used as livestock feed. Millions of hectares across the country are dedicated to growing these plants, which produce a large number of fruits.

Lopez and Cazarez guarantee that their product can last 10 years and has the chemical and physical properties necessary for fashion, furniture, leather goods and the automotive industry.

Cozarez added that from nopal leather you can make a small dress, wallet, belt, watch strap, small bookcase or chair.