You have a home décor dilemma. You love the look and feel of leather, but you're not too keen on where the material comes from — or how much it can cost. But you really want an option with a similar look, but isn't actually made of animal skin.
For more information, please visit our website.
You're in luck. While there a lot of leather knockoffs, there is an alternative that offers some of the benefits of the real thing: polyurethane (PU) leather.
Advertisement
Advertisement
PU leather is artificial leather polymer made of polyurethane, which is a type of plastic. It's 100 percent vegan because it has no animal skin, unlike genuine leather. If you want to make sure no animals were harmed in the making of your products, just make sure what you buy has no leather mixed in, including bicast leather, which does have animal skin.
According to Dan Weller, founder of Philadelphia-based Liberty Leather Goods, there are two types of PU leather: full-synthetic and semi-synthetic (also known as 100 percent PU leather or split leather, respectively).
Advertisement
Semi-synthetic PU leather is made of a natural leather base with a dried PU plastic mixture on top. The full-synthetic PU leather features a plastic coating applied over a base fabric material, which is usually more plastic or polyester. Only the full synthetic option is totally vegan. Weller says you can usually look at the underside of the material to see what the base material is.
"The PU layer is often stamped with a grain pattern to simulate the look of real leather," he says.
Advertisement
One way to tell the difference between real leather and PU leather is to do a water test — meaning dab a few drops of water on the material. Genuine leather will absorb the water and PU leather will not.
You also can tell the difference by looking at the fabric and inspecting it well. Real leather will show some imperfections and feature a genuine grain, whereas PU leather will have an almost perfect, patterned look.
Advertisement
PU leather is becoming more popular, especially as people become more conscious about sustainability and animal ethics. It's commonly used as upholstery — both residential and commercial — including on sofas, headboards, ottomans and in cars. It's also being used as a fashion alternative to leather for handbags, clothing and shoes.
PU versions tout the term "leather" — as do faux leather and vegan leather — but Weller says the name is mostly for marketing purposes.
"These are generally 100 percent plastic, and some vegan leather ... tend to be perceived as higher quality and more expensive, hence, companies can market and sell them for more," Weller explains. "Similarly, in auto upholstery, [some] 'leather' seats are actually just plastic, yet it sounds nicer, and then they can charge more for 'leather seats.'"
Advertisement
Obviously, PU leather is not the real thing, so you won't spend as much money for it as you would on genuine leather. Weller says PU leather also is easier and faster to manufacture than the natural version. It's water resistant and easy to clean, as well. This does make PU leather ideal for use in places like kitchens and bars.
But there are some disadvantages of PU leather, too. For starters, it doesn't always look like the real thing, and it will never develop the soft, worn-down look of real leather. PU leather also is less flexible. That can cause cracking and tearing over time, which means a shorter life than you'd get with genuine leather. The color can fade, too, although you'll get more color options than what's available with real leather.
Advertisement
"Over time, faux leather can dry out and crack and flake, resulting in items that can lose function, look worn and be challenging, if not impossible, to repair," Weller says.
And perhaps another reason it is called "PU" leather is that it doesn't always give off the best odor. Weller says it is dependent on the manufacturing process, and some will even infuse scents that mimic the smell of genuine leather to mask the faux leather "fragrance."
Advertisement
Since PU leather is typically made from a plastic polymer, in some cases it can be recycled. And depending on the production process, Weller says it might be less chemical intensive than some natural leather processes and might use fewer resources to manufacture.
"In this more idealistic perspective, PU leather can be made cheaper and faster," he says. "In another context, it is made of plastic (petroleum products), which have negative environmental aspects from extraction and use in materials production."
Advertisement
Sciencetrends.com says unlike real leather, polyurethane leather doesn't need to be tanned. Tanning is a process that can generate pollution from the ammonia and chromium used to make it, so that's a plus, too.
Now That's InterestingSynthetic leather has several names other than PU leather, including bicast leather, faux leather, leatherette, synthetic leather, artificial leather, skai and pleather.
Artificial leather, often referred to as faux leather, PU leather, or vegan leather, has become a staple in modern design and manufacturing. With its ability to mimic the luxurious look and feel of genuine leather, artificial leather offers a versatile, durable, and cost-effective alternative. Whether you’re outfitting your home, office, or wardrobe, understanding this material is key to making informed choices. Al-Nassaj brings you this comprehensive guide to explore the types, benefits, and applications of artificial leather.
Artificial leather is a synthetic material engineered to resemble genuine leather while offering unique benefits. Unlike natural leather, which comes from animal hides, artificial leather is typically made from a plastic base like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This synthetic composition not only makes it animal-friendly but also provides greater flexibility in design, durability, and application.
Read Also : Upholstery Fabric Guide, Find Best Fabric for Your Furniture
Artificial leather comes in several variations, each catering to specific needs and applications:
Lightweight and flexible, PU leather is often used for upholstery and accessories. It offers a softer feel and is easier to work with compared to PVC.
Durable and water-resistant, PVC leather is ideal for outdoor furniture and heavy-use items. However, it is less breathable than PU leather.
A blend of synthetic and real leather scraps, bonded leather is affordable and provides a semi-authentic look, but it lacks durability.
Goto CHENGLIDA to know more.
A fully cruelty-free option, vegan leather can be made from innovative materials like cork, pineapple leaves, or mushrooms, making it eco-friendly and unique.
Read Also : Choosing the Right Upholstery Fabrics: A Comprehensive Guide
Artificial leather stands out for a variety of reasons, making it a preferred choice in many industries:
Read Also : Choosing the Best Chair Upholstery Fabric for Your Home
Artificial leather’s versatility makes it a go-to material across various industries:
Sofas, chairs, and ottomans benefit from its sleek appearance and durability, especially in modern and minimalist designs.
Frequently used for car seats and dashboards, artificial leather offers a luxurious look with easy cleaning.
From handbags to belts, artificial leather allows for high-end style without the high-end price.
Hotels, restaurants, and offices use artificial leather for furniture and wall coverings to achieve an elegant, professional atmosphere.
Certain types of artificial leather are designed to withstand the elements, making them ideal for patio furniture and marine use.
Read Also : Wholesale Upholstery Fabrics: Types and Expert Tips
When selecting artificial leather for your project, keep these factors in mind:
For heavy-duty applications like furniture or automotive interiors, opt for thicker, more durable options like PVC leather.
PU leather offers a softer, more authentic look, while PVC provides a glossy finish suitable for contemporary designs.
Explore vegan leather options made from sustainable materials if eco-friendliness is a priority.
Read Also : Best Fabrics for Living Room: A Comprehensive Guide
Bonded leather is an economical choice, though it may not last as long as PU or PVC.
Choose a trusted provider like Al-Nassaj to ensure quality, durability, and variety in your artificial leather selection.
Artificial leather is known for its low-maintenance qualities, but proper care can extend its life and keep it looking fresh:
Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. For tougher stains, use a mild soap solution.
Stay away from abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface or cause discoloration.
Keep artificial leather away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent cracking or fading.
While it doesn’t need conditioning like real leather, occasional use of a vinyl conditioner can maintain its sheen.
For small tears or scratches, repair kits are readily available and easy to use.
Al-Nassaj offers a premium selection of artificial leather fabrics designed to meet the demands of modern living and design. Our fabrics are crafted with precision, combining aesthetics, durability, and functionality to ensure they meet the highest standards. Whether you’re a furniture manufacturer, interior designer, or retailer, Al-Nassaj has the perfect artificial leather solution to enhance your offerings.
Wide Variety: Explore a range of textures, colors, and finishes to match any design vision.
Exceptional Quality: Our artificial leather is tested for durability and resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Sustainability: We prioritize eco-friendly manufacturing practices, offering vegan leather options for conscious consumers.
Artificial leather is a versatile, cost-effective, and stylish alternative to genuine leather, offering countless applications and benefits. Whether you’re outfitting your home, creating fashionable accessories, or enhancing your business space, understanding artificial leather empowers you to make the best choices for your needs.
Ready to elevate your inventory or project? Explore Al-Nassaj’s premium collection of artificial leather fabrics today and bring your vision to life with unmatched quality and style.
Artificial leather is made from synthetic materials, while genuine leather comes from animal hides. Artificial leather is often more affordable, easier to maintain, and cruelty-free.
Some types of artificial leather, like vegan leather made from plant-based materials, are eco-friendly. However, traditional PU and PVC leathers may have environmental drawbacks.
Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap for routine cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals, and keep it away from direct heat or sunlight.
Yes, certain types of artificial leather, like PVC, are water-resistant and durable enough for outdoor use. Always confirm with the manufacturer for specific recommendations.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Commericial Artificial Leather. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.