Synthetic Leather: Everything You Need to Know

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You have seen it in stores, you have seen it online: “made of synthetic leather”, and you can’t help but think of how good the material looks and feels. But what is synthetic leather actually and why does it go so well with everything?

Since the 19th century, the world has gone wild for how synthetic leather can substitute real leather for almost anything you can imagine. Leather jacket, leather boots, leather handbags, leather sofas, you can now have them all for cheaper without sacrificing quality. Still, many end users find synthetic leather as a ‘less than’ material due to their lack of information.

Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about synthetic leather.

Synthetic Leather, PU, PVC

  1. What is it?

Synthetic leather is a material substitute for leather, used in various industries such as fashion, interior design, you name it. With the rising concerns for cost efficiency and animal welfare, synthetic leather has been in the spotlight as the perfect solution. Not only because it cuts down production costs, but because the material itself is durable enough to be comparable with genuine leather, with an added benefit of its hassle-free (or unnecessary, in some cases) maintenance.

With so many methods discovered, this natural leather substitute now comes in various materials, structures and finishes. The two most popular constructions are Polyurethane (PU) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). The two types are different in their own ways and are suitable for various uses. You can learn how PU is different than PVC here (link to next article).

 

  1. How do you use it?

Due to its ability to be produced in various finishes, the material can be used for almost anything. Its most popular uses are fashion pieces such as leather jackets, pants, footwear, handbags and small leather-finish goods. It is also used for home decor, as upholstery and furniture design.

 

  1. Why choose synthetic leather?

The reasons can go on a long list, but here are the most beneficial advantages you will get.

 

Cost. Without a doubt, synthetic leather will help you cut down cost of production for all your products. There are now manufacturers spread all over the world that would bulk-produce whatever material and finishes you need. Cheaper cost not only means that the products are going to be cheaper for your end users, but it also means that you will get an opportunity to have a wider margin. Talk about win-win solution!

Ethics. More often than not, the production of natural leather requires processes that usually lead to the mistreatment of animals. Many manufacturers are now opting for a more ethical solution and that’s where synthetic leather comes in.

Variety. Natural leather is limited in finishes and colours. With synthetic leather, you can create leather-like material with whatever colour, texture and finishes you need.

Durability. With its lack of pores and plastic based materials,  synthetic leather gains durability that values much more than its low cost. Most synthetic leather also has no pores, making it more durable than natural leather. Also, it requires very little to no maintenance at all.

Curious to learn more? Check out our product catalogue to see the various types of synthetic leather that we offer!


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