A NEW CHAPTER FOR DESSERTO

In Mexico, innovators created Desserto, a plant-based material made from nopal cactus. It offers a sustainable alternative to traditional leather, requiring minimal water, no pesticides, and allowing the plant to regrow after harvesting.

“Unlike many synthetic leathers, ours reduces reliance on plastics while remaining flexible, breathable, and durable. Used in fashion, automotive, and furniture industries, it represents a smarter, eco-friendly direction. Innovations like this show how nature-inspired solutions can help reduce environmental impact and reshape modern materials.”

–Mexican founders, Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez,

The Desserto Team reached out to WATERTODAY with the news “We are expanding our manufacturing capabilities to China.”

“In a world where resilience, innovation, and responsibility are no longer optional—but essential—we are proud to share an important milestone in Desserto’s journey,” The Team wrote in an email. “This is more than a geographic expansion. It is the natural evolution of a vision that began in Mexico, matured through Italian technical excellence, and now scales globally to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economic landscape.”

Desserto was born in Mexico, rooted in tradition, innovation, and respect for nature. The cactus-based material quickly became a symbol of what sustainable design could achieve—combining durability, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.

“As we grew, Italy became a key chapter in our development. There, we refined our materials to meet the highest standards of technical performance and premium quality—serving some of the most demanding industries in the world,” The Team reflects.

Why China? Why Now?

“Our new manufacturing capabilities in China allow us to deliver:

• Premium quality at scale.
• Advanced technical consistency.
• Improved lead times and supply chain efficiency.
• More competitive pricing for global markets.

In today’s challenging economic environment, sustainability must go beyond values—it must also make business sense,” the statement by the Team continues.

“We believe that the future belongs to materials that are not only environmentally responsible, but also economically viable. This expansion allows us to offer both - without compromise.”

This new chapter is tailored for brands and manufacturers seeking long-term material partnerships; high-volume, high-value applications; reliable, scalable supply solutions; and a competitive edge in sustainable innovation.

“Our focus remains on delivering premium solutions for forward-thinking companies, not commoditized materials.”

The Vision Moving Forward

“At Desserto, sustainability has always been about more than reducing impact—it’s about creating better alternatives that can truly compete in the real world.

With our expanded capabilities, we are reinforcing a simple belief: Sustainable materials should lead—not follow—in performance, design, and cost-efficiency.”

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