Two Mexicans created vegan leather from nopales

Nopales seem to have endless benefits, as in addition to providing us with fiber when we eat them, they also have properties that make them perfect for making cosmetic products, such as shampoos or creams. Thus, two young men from Guadalajara have found another use and make leather-like skin from cactus.Their names are Adrián López and Marte Cázares, and what they sought was to create an environmentally friendly material, with textile qualities such as breathable and durable, and of course, that it did not have to be extracted from animals.To achieve this vegan leather, the two young men had to go through a two-year journey, and their idea arose from realizing that if the nopal had cosmetic properties for the skin, then why not create skin from it.López told the media that many people thought they were crazy, but they said: What do you mean no? We are in Mexico, we are Mexicans, what raw material is there to throw up? Well, nopal; it grows by itself, it doesn't need much irrigation, it doesn't waste much water. In their research, they realized that in Europe they are already making this type of material from pineapple and apple, so the nopal was viable, since in addition to being a very noble plant, its production occurs year-round and each cactus can generate up to 100 nopales in its productive life.Their product is a mix of nopal and organic cotton, and it can meet needs in various areas, such as fashion, furniture, leather goods, and even in the automotive sector.These young men already have their own company and with it, they not only offer a more environmentally friendly option but also generate jobs in the country.