Synthetic PU leather (also called PU artificial leather or PU faux leather) is a type of imitation leather made with a polyurethane (PU) coating or foam layer bonded to a fabric base (such as knitted fabric, non-woven fabric, etc.). It is a category of artificial leather, primarily used as an alternative to genuine leather, offering advantages such as low cost, eco-friendliness, and ease of manufacturing. It is widely used in footwear, apparel, bags, furniture, automotive interiors, and more.
Synthetic PU leather typically consists of three layers as below.
The first layer is base Fabric Layer (Bottom Layer), it is usually made of knitted fabric, woven fabric, or non-woven fabric (e.g., polyester, nylon) to provide strength and flexibility.
The second layer is middle foam layer, some PU leather includes a PU foam layer for added softness and elasticity, mimicking the feel of real leather.
The last layer is PU Coating (Top Layer), a polyurethane resin coating applied to the surface, often embossed or printed to replicate genuine leather textures (e.g., pebbled grain, crocodile pattern).
The characteristics of PU synthetic leather is here
|
Feature |
Description |
|
Appearance |
Highly realistic, can mimic various leather textures, available in multiple colors |
|
Texture |
Soft, elastic, close to genuine leather |
|
Breathability |
Better than PVC leather but inferior to high-end genuine leather |
|
Durability |
Good, but may crack with long-term use |
|
Water Resistance |
Waterproof surface, easy to clean |
|
Eco-Friendliness |
No plasticizers (e.g., phthalates in PVC), more environmentally friendly |
|
Price |
Cheaper than genuine leather, slightly more expensive than PVC leather |
PU Synthetic Leather vs. PVC Leather vs. Genuine Leather
|
Comparison |
Synthetic PU Leather |
Synthetic PVC Leather |
Genuine Leather |
|
Main Material |
Polyurethane (PU) |
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
Animal hide (cowhide, sheepskin, etc.) |
|
Texture |
Soft, close to real leather |
Stiff, plastic-like feel |
Naturally soft, elastic |
|
Breathability |
Moderate |
Poor |
Best |
|
Durability |
Medium (may crack over time) |
Hard, less prone to aging |
Durable but requires maintenance |
|
Eco-Friendliness |
More eco-friendly (no plasticizers) |
May contain plasticizers |
Natural, but involves animal welfare concerns |
|
Price |
Mid-range |
Cheapest |
Most expensive |
The applications of PU Synthetic Leather can be widely used for Faux leather jackets, sneakers, boots, Wallets, handbags, watch straps, Sofas, chairs, headboard upholstery, Seat covers, steering wheel wraps, dashboard trim, Phone cases, laptop sleeves etc.
How to Identify High-Quality PU Leather?
First, check the grain, high-quality PU leather has a natural, realistic texture.
Second, feel the texture, good PU leather is soft and elastic, not too stiff or slippery.
Third, smell test, low-quality PU may have a strong chemical odor; premium PU has minimal smell.
Fourth, elasticity test, press and release-quick rebound indicates good elasticity.
Last, inspect the backing, the base fabric should be uniform, without peeling or fraying.
The future trends in PU Synthetic Leather is more eco-friendly such as Water-based PU (solvent-free), biodegradable PU leather , higher realism and enhanced functionality are also another characters.
To summary, PU synthetic leather is a polyurethane-based imitation leather known for its realistic appearance, softness, water resistance, and eco-friendliness. While not as premium as genuine leather, it offers significant advantages in cost, versatility, and animal-friendly production, making it a superior alternative to PVC leather.
