Japanese fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger continues to present a contemporary collection that combines fashion with sports and heritage with innovation. Onitsuka Tiger is pleased to announce the launch of the MEXICO 66™ CACTFUL™ sneaker, a new version of the brand’s signature MEXICO 66™ shoe model using a cactus-derived material more than 20% in the upper for the first time. We have co-developed a new material with DESSERTO (R) engineers that uses Mexican cactus fibers as the raw material for the upper, which features a production process that targets reducing environmental impact and meets the quality and product standards established by Onitsuka Tiger’s intelligent technology and can be deployed on a global scale. While keeping the iconic design elements of the MEXICO 66™, five custom colors are available to enhance the soft texture that is characteristic of this material, which is difficult to express in real leather. Another feature of this cactus-derived material is lightweight, which is utilized in shoe design, as well as containing a proportion of recycled materials in the shoelaces and other parts.
Onitsuka Tiger's deep ties to Mexico date back to 1966. The "Mexico Lines" (now Onitsuka Tiger Stripes) were introduced as Onitsuka Tiger in 1966, and the shoes worn by the Japanese athletes at the 1968 Mexico Games are the roots of today's MEXICO 66™ model name and design. Onitsuka Tiger has sensed an affinity of common roots – Mexico – and potential as environmental-friendly materials to this plant-based material derived from the Nopal cactus, which is found in large numbers in Mexico, one of the countries that inspired the birth of Onitsuka Tiger's iconic model, leading to the development and release of this new product.
Onitsuka Tiger's deep ties to Mexico date back to 1966. The "Mexico Lines" (now Onitsuka Tiger Stripes) were introduced as Onitsuka Tiger in 1966, and the shoes worn by the Japanese athletes at the 1968 Mexico Games are the roots of today's MEXICO 66™ model name and design. Onitsuka Tiger has sensed an affinity of common roots – Mexico – and potential as environmental-friendly materials to this plant-based material derived from the Nopal cactus, which is found in large numbers in Mexico, one of the countries that inspired the birth of Onitsuka Tiger's iconic model, leading to the development and release of this new product.
Developed by Adrian and Marte in Mexico, DESSERTO® does not use phthalates or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which are harmful chemicals, and consumes less water, so it has begun to attract worldwide attention as an environmentally friendly bio-material. It is highly durable and resistant to UV rays, with a supple texture. This time, Onitsuka Tiger has co-developed the cactus-derived material with DESSERTO® tailor-made to meet Onitsuka Tiger's strict standards which is both environmentally friendly and durable. Compared to conventional genuine leather, the material used in the MEXICO 66™ CACTFUL™ reduces CO2 emissions in the manufacturing process by approximately 80%*. In addition, efforts are being made to use leftover cactus from production for food purposes at the food industry. In addition to the main upper portion of the shoe, other parts such as the sockliner and shoelaces are also made of recycled materials.
The results are based on early-stage life cycle analysis conducted by DESSERTO on Desserto products following life cycle analysis related ISO guidelines (14040 and 14044) and based on preliminary data and estimates for manufacturing process and materials in the relevant supply chains.
Date 31-10-2022
The results are based on early-stage life cycle analysis conducted by DESSERTO on Desserto products following life cycle analysis related ISO guidelines (14040 and 14044) and based on preliminary data and estimates for manufacturing process and materials in the relevant supply chains.
Date 31-10-2022