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What Is Artificial Leather, How's It Made, & Best Alternatives - Von Baer

Author: Benjamin

Jul. 28, 2025

29 0 0

Tags: Textiles & Leather Products

What Is Artificial Leather, How's It Made, & Best Alternatives - Von Baer

Artificial leather (also called synthetic leather, faux leather, leatherette, imitation leather, vegan leather, PU leather, and pleather), is designed to look and feel as much like leather as possible but is not produced from animal products. In many cases, it is a reasonable substitute for leather – and even has some advantages when it comes to water resistance and cost.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

How is Artificial Leather Manufactured?

There are four major steps in making synthetic polyurethane leather:

  1. Produce the base fabric (to hold the coating)
  2. Apply the polyurethane coating
  3. Add a color coat
  4. Add a textured finish, often via stamping

Read next: What is Leather Patina?

History & Examples

One of the earliest successes in creating an artificial substitute for leather was called Presstoff. It was developed in Germany in the s, made of layered paper pulp which underwent special chemical and manual treatments. It peaked in popularity in Germany during WWII during the rationing of leather. Presstoff could not be used for footwear or other items that had to endure regular flexion and moisture, but it was a good substitute for other leather items. As with most synthetic leathers, using them under conditions of repeated flexion and moisture could cause delamination and cracking.

Another example of early synthetic leather products is Rexine. Rexine was produced in the UK, by laminating cloth with a mixture of nitrocellulose, camphor oil, alcohol, and pigment. The resulting cloth was embossed with a texture reminiscent of well-grained leather. Its primary use was as automobile upholstery and interior railway car upholstery and lining starting in the s. The primary attraction of it was that it was close enough to leather to create the same effect, but cost about a quarter of the money.

Another class of synthetic leathers, first developed and called “poromerics” by DuPont in , was produced by covering a fibrous base layer with a plastic coating. DuPont’s first product was called Corfam and was designed for use in shoe manufacturing. DuPont pushed the product hard. It even took DuPont’s center stage place in the World’s Fair in New York. Millions of dollars went into the marketing campaign, but the result was not what DuPont had hoped. In they pulled the product from the market and sold the rights to a company in Poland.

Read next: How to Get Smells Out of Leather

Like Corfam, leatherette is a plastic-covered fabric base. It is used primarily for bookbinding and camera cases in the 20th century, and the term is still used for synthetic leathers in common parlance.

Cork Leather is another alternative, produced from the bark of cork trees. The bark is compressed and treated, in a similar process to that of Presstoff.

Currently, researchers are trying to develop a marketable collagen product, produced through a fermentation process (rather than taken from animal hides), which might enable production of a synthetic leather virtually identical to natural leather.

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  • Pleather
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Environmental Impact

PVC plastic is a hard, rigid product. In order to make it soft for applications like synthetic leather production, a plasticizer called phthalate is added. PVC requires petroleum and its production is very energy-hungry, so it relies heavily on fossil fuels in more than one way. Production also produces carcinogenic byproducts called dioxins, long-lasting chemicals which can increase the chances of cancer developing in humans and other animals. PVC also takes a long time to break down, releases dangerous chemicals during breakdown, is dangerous to animal life as it becomes microscopic, and takes up a lot of space in landfills.

Perhaps for these reasons, polyurethane has overcome PVC in popularity.

Read next: What Makes Leather Products Organic?

For more information, please visit CHENGLIDA.

How is Artificial Leather Used?

Synthetic leathers are used a great deal in the production of clothing, accessories, and upholstery. Synthetic leathers do not breathe or vent well, and so sweat can build up on clothing and seats. It doesn’t need much maintenance though, and is more resistant to short-term water exposure than animal leathers.

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  • Leather guide for beginners
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  • Leather grades
  • How is leather made
  • Suede
  • PU leather
  • Bonded leather vs Faux leather

Best Alternative to Artificial Leather

The best alternative to artificial leather is vegetable tanned leather. This means the process uses naturally occuring oils (usually from types of bark), and tends to produce less or no harmful chemicals as a result, making it the most eco-friendly method of tanning, and the option for eco-conscious consumers.

Featured product: Men's Leather Weekender Bag from Von Baer

All of the leather bags at Von Baer are produced using vegetable tanning methods.

5 Benefits of Working with a Reputable PVC Leather Manufacturer

PVC leather is a synthetic material that has become increasingly popular in recent years for making furniture, bags, clothing, and shoes due to its durability and affordability compared to real leather. Many businesses are turning to PVC leather manufacturers to create products for a variety of applications, including footwear, automotive interiors, and furniture. Working with a reputable PVC leather manufacturer has many advantages, including reliability and access to high-quality materials. Here are some of the benefits of working with a reputable PVC leather manufacturer:

1. High Quality Materials

When you’re looking for a PVC leather manufacturer, one of the most important considerations should be quality. Reputable PVC leather manufacturers understand the importance of using the best materials available in order to create durable and long-lasting products. They will use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that each product is of the highest quality. This means that you can rest assured that your products will be made with the best materials available, which will help them last longer. In addition, manufacturers with a good reputation will often have a wide selection of colors, textures, thickness options and finishes to choose from, giving you more options for your project.

2. Cost-Effective Manufacturing

Another benefit of working with a reputable PVC leather manufacturer is that they will offer cost-effective manufacturing services. Reputable PVC leather manufacturers understand the importance of creating quality products while keeping costs low. They will use the latest technology to ensure that their products are made in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. This means that you can rest assured that you will get the best value for your money when you work with them.

3. Wide Range of Options

A reputable PVC leather manufacturer will also offer a wide range of options for their customers. They will have a variety of colors, textures, and finishes available, so you can find the perfect product to meet your needs. They will also be able to customize products to meet your exact specifications. This means that you will be able to find the exact product that you need, without having to compromise on quality or aesthetics.

4. Experienced Staff

Finally, working with a reputable PVC leather manufacturer means that you will be working with experienced staff. These professionals will have the knowledge and skills necessary to create the perfect product for you. They will be able to advise you on the best materials and techniques to use in order to create a product that meets your exact specifications. In addition, they will be able to answer any questions that you may have and ensure that you have a positive experience when working with them.

5. Conclusion

Working with a reputable PVC leather manufacturer comes with many benefits. Not only will you get high-quality materials, but you will also get cost-effective manufacturing services and a wide range of options. In addition, you will be working with experienced staff who can help you find the perfect product for your needs. So, if you’re looking for a reliable PVC leather manufacturer, be sure to consider working with a reputable one.

6. LUC QUAN (VN) PLASTIC INDUSTRY CO.,LTD – A leading PVC synthetic leather manufacturer in Vietnam

LUC QUAN (VN) PLASTIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD is a leading PVC synthetic leather manufacturer based in Vietnam. Since our establishment in , we have been dedicated to providing high-quality synthetic leather products to clients across various industries. With a team of more than 900 skilled professionals, we have been able to consistently deliver products that meet our clients’ requirements.

Our state-of-the-art facilities include two factories, with one located at 37 Đường số 9, Tam Phước, Long Thành, Đồng Nai. We utilize the latest technology and techniques to ensure that every product is of the highest quality. We take pride in our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, and we strive to minimize our carbon footprint in every aspect of our operations.

At LUC QUAN (VN) PLASTIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD, we are committed to building long-lasting relationships with our clients by providing excellent customer service and delivering products that exceed expectations. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

The company is the world’s best Artificial Leather Manufacturer(ko,bn,pt) supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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