What is Desserto®?
Share
Facts about Desserto®
Desserto® is the world's leading organic material made from the nopal cactus, also known as prickly pear. This material is not only highly sustainable, but also offers a spectrum of colors, thicknesses and textures that meets the increasing demands of various industries.
In the heart of Mexico, in the state of Zacatecas, a ranch is operated where the raw material is grown - the cactus. The cultivation methods are geared towards responsibility and sustainability:
- Every 6-8 months, only the mature leaves are harvested to minimize the impact on the cactus.
- The cactus thrives on rainwater and locally available minerals, so no irrigation system is required.
- The selected cactus species is resilient and can tolerate low temperatures without damage.
The cultivated native cactus species CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) , to which the Nopal cactus belongs, is characterized by a water-saving metabolism that absorbs CO2 at night and minimizes water consumption through its natural hygroscopic mechanism. This means that the cactus binds water from the environment, including water vapor from the air.
The farming practices respect biodiversity, preserve native flora and provide habitat for wildlife. No trees are cut down and the completely organic farming promotes microflora and microfauna in the soil.
After harvesting, the mature leaves are dried in a sunbath for three days, so no additional energy is needed. The organic raw material is then processed into Desserto® using a patented formula. The ranch remains completely organic, free of herbicides and pesticides. Excess organic cactus material not used in the process is sold to the national food industry.
On 14 hectares, Desserto absorbs 8,100 tons of CO2 per year, while annual CO2 emissions on the farm are only 15.30 tons. The increase in nopal plantations can thus be a strategy to reduce the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere. They can be used as water and carbon reserves in arid and semi-arid regions where the climate is unstable.
TOP sustainability facts about DESSERTO®:
1. Improving biodiversity in the region.
2. Enrichment of soil microflora and microfauna through reforestation with native and typical organic cacti.
3. Huge water savings as no irrigation is required.
4. Environmental preservation as no chemicals such as herbicides or pesticides are used.
5. The cactus remains intact so that repeated harvests can be made from the same plant.
6. Energy saving by drying the raw material in a sunbath.
7. No cross-industry conflicts as the by-product is supplied to the food industry
8. Full visibility and traceability of operations to ensure sustainable social practices.
9. Technological improvements in the fields.
These are also the reasons why Desserto has been awarded and verified by various organizations, including PeTA, the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS), the organic seal and many more.