H&M Will Feature Vegan Cactus Leather In New Science Story Collection

Swedish fashion giant H&M has teamed up with Mexican company Desserto - maker of cactus-based vegan leather alternative and Fulgar - producer of bio-based sustainable yarn. The partnership aims to use innovative textiles to create an environmentally-friendly collection.

The first collection will be released under the collective Science Story and will explore the future of sustainable fashion. The collection will present new materials: EVO by Fulgar, a bio-based renewable yarn derived from castor oil, and Desserto, plant-based alternative to leather made from cactus. 

Desserto was founded in 2019 by Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, with a commitment to develop innovative and sustainable materials for fashion industry with positive impact on the planet's environment. Desserto cactus leather is sustainable, cruelty-free, and free of toxic chemicals, Phthalates and PVC-free. 

The leather alternative is made of Nopal cactus and can be produced in different thicknesses and textures. The leaves are dried under the sun before being processed into the leather material. The company uses only the mature leaves which means that the plantation can grow for 8 years. 

Fulgar EVO yarn is a completely renewable material made from castor oil seeds. The castor plant does not require much water to grow, and it does not require are special land. 

Science Story collection will also feature ECONYL, entirely regenerated nylon made with ocean waste such as fishing nets, Agraloop natural fibres made from agricultural waste and Texloop Rcot a combination of recycled cotton with cotton waste.

“Our new concept continues H&M’s journey towards a sustainable and circular fashion system. Innovation Stories allows us to develop and grow, all while creating desirable and long-lasting pieces that we hope our customers will love and be proud of,” H&M creative advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson said in a statement.

According to a report from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) fashion is one of the most polluting industries for the planet responsible for 20 per cent of global water waste and 10 per cent of the global carbon emissions.