Voes & Co Turning Cactus Into Boots Is Conserving And Protecting A New Trend

As veganism works its way into fashion, the lifestyle of sustainable living is a 360-degree experience for some. As the founder of Voes & Co, Desiree Dupuis saw veganism as the solution to the idea of meat culture in relation to leather production. A genuine empathy lives within her and the Voes & Co brand, with its Chelsea boot as a sentiment of ridding production lines of traditional animal leather.

“I have been Vegan since 2008 since reading the book Skinny Bitch and realizing where meat comes from and the atrocity of the animal agriculture industry,” Dupuis explains in her discovery leading to her Chelsea boot production. “I like fashion, especially shoes, and wanted to create a kinder, more sustainable alternative to animal-derived leather footwear.”

Voes & Co is a brand associated with the emerging sustainable footwear industry that includes recycled plastics used in 3D-printed footwear designs, for example. Brands like the cactus leather handbags from Santos by Monica have also fostered the idea. Its founder Monica Santos stated for sustainable publication PAGE magazine, “I have sourced material made from cactus because I know how much water, but also chemicals, leather, and PU. There are vegan options, but they are not good for the environment since they use plastic.”

Santos combines various sustainable options within her production line that encourages local production. “The bag lining is from recycled water bottles, and I only use 100% organic cotton on the threads. Hand tags and tissue paper from 100% recycled materials. I try to find everything locally. Apart from the cacti fibers sourced from Mexico, everything else I source locally, or make myself.”

Looking forward to creating an atmosphere to help preserve the cactus plants, Dupuis and Voes & Co are finding that circularity through their vegan exploration. “We’re not just a brand – we’re a movement,” she says, emphasizing Voes & Co’s larger purpose.

“We want to create a community of fashion-forward individuals who are not only passionate about looking great but also making a positive impact on the world. Our vegan materials are just the beginning—we envision a future where sustainability is the norm, and compassion is the driving force behind every fashion choice.”

Preserving cactus plants is important for several reasons including its efficient carbon sinks that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A study from a leading cactus leather producer Desserto has examined that a 14-acre cactus plantation has the ability to absorb approximately 8100 tons of carbon dioxide. Cacti also require minimal water, making them an environmentally friendly ally. Growing one kilogram of cactus mass only requires around 200 liters of water, with no need for irrigation to thrive.

Cactus leather, processed by companies like Voes & Co, offers a cruelty-free and sustainable alternative to traditional leather that conserves water, requiring significantly less amount compared to traditional leather. Voes and Co aim to raise awareness about these benefits and inspire people to choose sustainable footwear options like cactus leather.

Voes & Co looks to create plans for protecting cactus plants beyond making quality boots. It will join hands with several partners to help preserve nature and the cactus plants. The founder, Desirèe Dupuis, is an environmentalist and is involved in other initiatives, such as Kove Ocean Foods, a sustainable food company utilizing seaweed, and Ruben’s Shoes Society, which provide education to underprivileged children.

Desiree Dupuis concludes by stating that “[Voes & Co] is committed to doing [its] part to protect the planet.”. She continues, “We believe that cactus plants are an important part of the natural world, and we want to do everything we can to ensure their survival.” One step closer to sustainability and a sense of circularity is opening up a new trend of consumer and luxury goods in fashion.