Meet Al Cantara, the Man Behind the Material

You’re undoubtedly aware that Alcantara is a leather-like material used by many automakers to cover seats, steering wheels, dashboards and other interior components.  But chances are, you’ve never heard of Aloysius “Al” Cantara, the material’s developer.  Parksplug recently interviewed Cantara at his 200-acre ranch near Buenos Aires named Rancho Cerca de Buenos Aires.

PP:  What is an Alcantara?

AC:  An Alcantara is a three-legged animal that we breed and raise here at the ranch.

PP:  Three-legged?

AC:  Yes, it reduces our footprint.  We like to say that we care about the environment.

PP:  I like to say that, too.  (both laugh)  What does an Alcantara look like?

AC:: Similar to a three-legged harbor seal with a cute face and a tail like a snowshoe hare’s.

PP:  Hmmm.  I can’t seem to picture that.  Are these free-range animals?

AC:  Oh, no.  Alcantaras need structure, otherwise they get into mischief: tearing out fencing, smoking cigarettes, that sort of thing.

PP: You use their hide for the upholstery?

AC: Yes, they molt several times a year according to their Wikipedia page.

PP:  So they just turn into a gelatinous blob?

AC: Molt, not melt.

PP: Oh.