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PU leather is a good choice for people who want to save money and care about where things come from. In 2024, PU leather makes up 63.9% of the faux leather market. This is because it lasts a long time and is easy to take care of. Many people like PU leather since they can wipe it clean with a wet cloth. It also does not let water in. Horizon Leather gives people strong and earth-friendly PU leather. This helps everyone get stylish things that are better for the planet.
Year | Market Segment | Leather Type | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Faux Leather Market | PU Leather | 63.9 |
Key Takeaways
PU leather costs less and does not use animals. It looks nice and lasts a long time if you take care of it.
It does not let water or stains in easily. You can clean it with a wet cloth. Genuine leather needs special cleaning.
PU leather keeps the same look for years. It does not get the special shine that genuine leather gets as it gets older.
This material is light and bends easily. It comes in many colors and feels. People use it for clothes, furniture, and baby things.
Making PU leather does not hurt animals and uses less energy. But it is made from fake stuff that does not break down in nature.
Horizon Leather sells good PU leather. They have eco-friendly kinds like water-based and vegan leather. These help people make better choices for the planet.
PU leather can be made fast and in big amounts. It always looks the same. This helps brands keep up with what people want.
You can spot PU leather by its smooth, even look, plastic smell and straight edges. Real leather has small holes and smells like earth.
PU Leather Overview
What Is PU Leather
PU leather means polyurethane leather. People make it by putting a layer of polyurethane on fabric like polyester or cotton. This makes a material that looks and feels like real leather. It does not use any animal products. PU leather is vegan and does not hurt animals. It has a smooth surface that looks the same all over. You can find it in many colors. The fake grain pattern makes it look cool. Horizon Leather gives high-quality PU leather. They care about the environment and help many businesses.
PU leather is a new choice for people who want style, strong material and care about where things come from.
Aspect | PU Leather | Genuine Leather |
|---|---|---|
Chemical Composition | Synthetic material made by coating fabric (polyester or cotton) with polyurethane | Natural material made from animal hides |
Origin | Manmade, vegan, contains no animal parts | Derived from animal hides |
Durability | Typically lasts 10-20+ years | |
Maintenance | Easy to clean with soapy water | Requires conditioners and care |
Appearance | Uniform grain, no natural patina | Develops unique patina over time |
Environmental Impact | Lower carbon footprint, uses 70% less carbon emissions | Higher water and land use |
Physical Properties | Lightweight, water-resistant, flexible grain-like surface | Natural texture and grain |
How PU Leather Is Made
People use many steps to make PU leather. First, they pick and get the fabric ready. They weave or knit the fabric to make it strong. Then, they cover the fabric with polyurethane resin. They use spreading or spraying to do this. The coated fabric dries and hardens. Next, they press patterns on the surface to look like real leather. They add top layers to protect from water, stains and sunlight. At the end, they check the quality to make sure it is good.
Spin fibers and make the fabric.
Cover the fabric with polyurethane resin.
Dry and harden the material.
Check the quality and inspect the product.
Horizon Leather uses new machines and skilled workers. They make sure every batch is good.
Key Features
PU leather is special for many reasons:
It feels smooth and shiny and is soft to touch.
The material does not scratch or fade easily.
PU leather is light and simple to clean.
It keeps its look and does not change over time.
The product is vegan and does not harm animals.
Makers can color it in many ways and give it different looks.
PU leather costs less than real leather and works well.
Horizon Leather makes PU leather for bags, shoes, furniture, strollers, motorcycle seats and headset covers. Their products are stylish, strong and good for the planet.
Differences Between PU Leather And Genuine Leather
Appearance and Hand feel and Breathability
PU leather and genuine leather look different. PU leather has a smooth and even surface. The grain pattern is always the same. Makers use embossing to make PU leather look like real leather. Genuine leather has marks, pores, and small flaws. These come from animals and make each piece special.
PU leather smells like plastic.
Genuine leather smells musty and natural.
Genuine leather feels soft and bends easily. If you press it, it goes down and pops back up. PU leather feels smooth but does not bend much. It does not bounce back when pressed.
Genuine leather lets air and water pass through. This keeps things cool and comfy. PU leather does not let air or water in. It can feel hot and less comfy.
Tip: You can tell PU leather from real leather by looking and touching. Real leather has pores and texture. PU leather looks smooth and perfect.
Water Resistance and Stain Resistance
PU leather does not let water in. The coating stops water from soaking through. This makes PU leather good for places with spills or wetness, like kitchens or outside. Genuine leather soaks up water. This can cause stains or damage if not cleaned fast.
Genuine leather soaks up water and may get spots.
Follow care tips to keep PU leather water-resistant.
PU leather also resists stains well. Its surface does not let dirt or liquid in. Cleaning is easy. You can wipe most stains off with a wet cloth. Genuine leather needs more care. Dirt and liquid can get inside. You need to clean and condition it often.
PU leather is simple to clean and does not stain much.
Genuine leather needs careful cleaning and regular care.
Cleaning both helps them last longer.
Aging and Patina
Genuine leather changes as it gets older. It gets a patina that looks rich and old. Scratches and sunlight make it look special. Each piece becomes unique over time.
PU leather does not change much as it ages. It keeps its first look for years. It may crack or peel when it gets old. PU leather does not soak up oils or water, so it cannot get softer or shinier. Good PU leather lasts a few years if you take care of it. It does not get the same look or feel as genuine leather.
Aspect | Genuine Leather | PU Leather |
|---|---|---|
Gets a patina, feels softer and richer | No patina, stays looking fake | |
Aging Characteristics | Gets darker, shows scratches, becomes special | May crack or peel, stays the same |
Durability Over Time | Gets better with age, lasts 10-20 years | Wears out faster, lasts 3-5 years |
Genuine leather has oils that keep it strong and flexible.
PU leather does not have these oils and does not get better with age.
PU leather is easy to clean but does not look vintage.
Note: Genuine leather gets nicer as it ages. PU leather stays the same but can wear out after some time.
Cleaning and Upkeep
Cleaning helps PU leather and genuine leather last longer. PU leather is easy to care for. Its surface does not let stains or dirt in. You can keep it looking nice with simple steps. Dust it every day with a dry microfiber cloth. If you see a stain, use a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not use rough cleaners or scrub in circles. This can hurt the surface. After cleaning, dry PU leather with a soft cloth. This stops peeling. Store PU leather in cool, dry places. Keep it away from sunlight and heat.
Genuine leather needs more care. It soaks up water and oils. You must use conditioner often to keep it soft. Do not let water or sunlight touch it. These can make it fade or crack. Clean genuine leather by wiping it gently. Use special conditioners. Let it dry on its own, not near heat.
The table below shows how to clean and care for both:
Aspect | PU Leather Cleaning & Maintenance | Genuine Leather Cleaning & Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
Material Nature | Synthetic, non-porous surface, easy to clean | Natural animal hide, porous, requires careful maintenance |
Cleaning Methods | – Daily dusting with dry microfiber cloth | – Requires conditioners to maintain suppleness |
– Wipe stains gently with damp cloth (avoid circular motion) | – Avoid water exposure and direct sunlight | |
– Deep clean with mild soap and warm water, avoid abrasives | – Avoid excessive moisture and heat | |
Drying | Use dry cloth after cleaning to prevent peeling | Dry naturally, avoid heat sources |
Protection | – Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, humidity | – Avoid prolonged sunlight exposure |
– Use protective sprays designed for synthetic leather | – Regular conditioning recommended | |
Maintenance | Low-maintenance, regular cleaning prevents wear and peeling | High-maintenance, develops patina over time |
Durability |
Tip: Clean and store your PU leather and genuine leather the right way. This helps them last longer.
Cost and Value
Cost is important when picking PU leather or genuine leather. PU leather costs less at first. It is cheaper for people to buy. Cleaning PU leather is easy and does not need special products. Most PU leather lasts three to five years if you take care of it. This makes it a good choice for people who want style but do not want to spend a lot.
Genuine leather costs more to buy. It also needs special conditioners and careful storage. This makes it cost more over time. But genuine leather can last for many years if you care for it. It gets a special look called patina as it ages. Many people like this look. Genuine leather keeps its value because it stays strong and looks better as it gets older. PU leather may crack or peel after a few years. This makes it worth less later.
Note: PU leather is good for people who want something nice and easy to care for. Genuine leather is best for people who want something that lasts a long time and looks classic.
Ethical and Environmental Impact
Animal Welfare
Animal welfare matters to many people. PU leather does not use any animal parts. No animals are hurt when making it. This is why people who want cruelty-free things like PU leather. Genuine leather comes from animal skin. This makes some people worry about how animals are treated.
Environmental Footprint
PU leather and genuine leather affect the planet in different ways. PU leather is made from oil-based stuff and uses a lot of energy. It makes less carbon than genuine leather. PU leather makes about one-third to half as much carbon per square meter. Making genuine leather means raising cows. This causes methane gas, uses lots of water and can lead to cutting down trees. Tanning genuine leather uses chemicals that can hurt nature. PU leather does not have these animal impacts. But it is not biodegradable and comes from fossil fuels. Throwing away PU leather can cause waste problems.
Sustainability
Sustainability looks at the whole life of the material. PU leather is better for carbon and animal welfare. Some companies use recycled or green materials to make PU leather. This helps the planet more. But PU leather does not last as long, so people may need to replace it more. This can make more waste. Genuine leather lasts longer and can be reused or recycled. But making it uses more land, water, and makes more greenhouse gases. Both have good and bad points for the planet. People should think about how long they will use the product and what happens when they are done with it.
PU Leather Types by Horizon Leather
Oil-Based PU
Oil-based PU is a very common type of synthetic leather. Makers use polyurethane resins that come from petroleum. They coat fabric like polyester or cotton with oil-based polyurethane. This makes the surface smooth and even. Oil-based PU bends easily and comes in many colors. Many brands use it for bags, shoes and furniture because it works well.
Horizon Leather has oil-based PU in different looks and feels. You can pick glossy, matte or embossed surfaces. You can customize the color and thickness you want. Oil-based PU is a traditional but very stable material for mid-low range of goods.
Tip: Oil-based PU is common for mid-low fast fashion and cheap furniture. It is not too expensive, looks nice, but not lasts well.
Bonded PU
Bonded PU mixes shredded leather fibers with polyurethane or latex. This mix goes on a backing material. It uses leftover leather scraps, so it helps cut down on waste. Bonded PU can look and smell like real leather at first. But it is not the same as fully synthetic PU leather. Definitely it’s not vegan leather.
Bonded PU is widely used to instead of genuine leather. It is a cheaper option and hard to figure out the difference as genuine leather. It’s widely used for fashion products that seems like the real leather but no need to last a long time.
Water-Based & Solvent-Free Leather
Water-based and solvent-free PU leather is better for the environment. Producer do not use any oil-based polyurethane when making. They use water-based polyurethane to coat the fabric. This productive process makes less polluted and no VOCs and no DMFa.
Solvent-free PU leather does not using DMFa chemicals into the air or water when producing.
The coating of waterborne chemicals is odorless so the what based leather is No VOCs during producing and it’s good for workers’ health.
Water-based PU has strong peeling and folding strength.
These types is durable than oil-based PU leather for over 5 years usage.
We Horizon Leather has changed 4 production lines to water-based and solvent-free PU leather. It’s a future mainstream PU materials for many applications, such as baby strollers, furniture, motorcycle seat .,etc. It’s very suitable for those company who cares about the earth and their customers.
Note: Picking water-based and solvent-free PU leather is good for nature and keeps workers safe.
Vegan Leather & Bio-Based Leather
Vegan leather is a kind of faux leather materials with doesn’t contain any leather fibers from animals. We provide these choices to brands and designers. They help people who want to protect the planet and not use animal products. Vegan leather can be made from many things. Some of the backing fabric are natural fibers like cotton, linen, corn stalk and bamboo. The others comes from farm leftovers and mycelium from mushrooms which named ‘bio-based leather’ which means this kind of vegan leather can be recycled after degradation.
Making vegan leather has a few steps. First, workers pick and get the materials ready. Natural fibers are cleaned, combed, and woven. Synthetic ones are made with chemicals. Then, the fibers are woven or mixed to make a strong base. Next, the material gets a coating and color to look nice and last longer. Safe chemicals are used to keep workers and nature safe. All the process are recyclable.
Vegan Leather and Bio-based leather have many good points:
They do not hurt animals.
They use less water and fewer chemicals.
They help with recycling and using resources wisely.
They are kind to animals and better for the earth than regular leather.
Bio-based Vegan leather can be made from many sources. These include bacterial cellulose, mycelium, pineapple leaves and even silicone. These things are picked, washed, dried, and shaped into soft sheets. Vegan leather does not use harsh tanning chemicals like animal leather. This means less pollution. More people want vegan leather that is not plastic and can break down over time.
Horizon Leather sells vegan leather in many colors and textures. Customers can ask for special designs. These materials are great for bags, shoes, furniture and other products. Vegan and Bio-based leather help brands give people more earth-friendly and kind choices. They do not lose style or how well they work.
Improved PU Leather Advantages
Production Speed
Factories like to work fast. PU leather helps them do this. Solvent-based PU leather dries very quickly because of the solvents. This lets workers finish each step faster. PU leather is simple to cut, sew, and shape. Machines can handle it easily, so there are fewer slowdowns. Real leather takes more time to tan and process. PU leather skips these slow steps. Horizon Leather uses new machines to make things go even faster. Their team can fill big orders in less time. Fast work means customers get their products sooner and can follow new trends.
Solvent-based PU leather dries fast, so factories work quicker.
PU leather is easy to cut and sew, which saves time.
Horizon Leather’s machines help finish orders fast.
Quick production lets brands sell new styles and meet busy seasons without waiting.
Bulk Production
Making lots of products at once is important. PU leather makes mass production easy. Factories can make many items without losing quality. New coating machines help make more PU leather, and it looks good. Horizon Leather uses these machines to make more PU leather at once. They can give PU leather to car, fashion, and furniture companies. More people want these products, so bulk production is needed. Horizon Leather helps clients stay ahead by making PU leather for less money.
Mass production makes more PU leather quickly.
New machines help make PU leather faster and better.
Bulk production helps car and fashion companies grow.
Horizon Leather fills big orders at good prices.
The government and green trends push factories to make more at once. Horizon Leather offers eco-friendly PU leather in large amounts.
Bulk production keeps products in stock and helps growing businesses.
Consistent Quality
Keeping quality the same is very important. Horizon Leather checks every batch to make sure it is good. They look at the materials before they start making PU leather. Early checks make sure everything is right. Workers watch the process to keep things on track. At the end, they check how the PU leather looks and feels. Trained workers look for any problems.
Quality Aspect | Criteria / Standard | Testing Method / Notes |
|---|---|---|
Appearance | Same color, some shine, clear patterns, no mistakes | Look at it from different angles and lights |
Feel and Flexibility | Soft but strong, bends and bounces back fast | Touch and bend by hand |
Odor and Chemical Safety | Light smell, safe, passes REACH, ROHS, SGS tests | Smell test, check chemical reports |
Physical Performance | Does not wear out after 10,000 rubs, strong, stretches over 250% | Pull, rub, and bend tests |
Stability and Durability | No change in heat or cold, looks good after cleaning | Tests for aging and water damage |
Certifications | Official papers |
Horizon Leather can also change the texture, thickness, color, or add special features. They check each step to meet world standards. Good quality makes customers trust them and keeps them coming back.
Good quality means every order looks and works the same.
Versatility
PU leather is very useful for many things. Makers pick PU leather for lots of products. Designers like that it looks like real leather. They also like the many colors and textures. Horizon Leather gives PU leather that works for many jobs. This helps different businesses find what they need.
Fashion brands use PU leather for shoes, bags, and accessories. Shoes made with PU leather include sneakers and high heels. Handbags can be small or big. Accessories like belts and wallets use PU leather because it bends well and looks the same. Clothing makers use PU leather for jackets, skirts, and pants. These clothes look good and feel comfy. They also cost less.
Furniture makers use PU leather for sofas and chairs. It lasts long and is easy to clean. This makes it good for busy homes and stores. Home decorators use PU leather for pillows and wall art. These things make rooms look cool and interesting. Some wall coverings use PU leather to give rooms a special feel.
Car companies use PU leather for seats and steering wheels. It is strong and works well in cars. PU leather does not stain or let water in. This makes it good for tough places. Baby strollers and motorcycle seats also use PU leather because it is practical.
Horizon Leather has PU leather in many colors and styles. Customers can ask for special designs to match their brand. The company uses new machines to add patterns and prints. PU leather is light, so it is easy to use and comfy for people.
Tip: PU leather helps brands keep up with new trends. Companies can make new styles fast and meet what customers want.
Here are some common ways PU leather is used:
Fashion items like shoes, bags, belts, wallets, and watch straps.
Clothes such as jackets, skirts, and pants.
Furniture like sofas, chairs, and headboards.
Home accents like pillows, ottomans, and wall art.
Wall coverings for room design.
Car interiors like seats, steering wheels, and dashboards.
Horizon Leather makes sure every PU leather product is high quality. The company helps clients in fashion, furniture, cars, and more. PU leather is a great choice for brands that want strong, stylish, and earth-friendly materials.
Identification Tips
Visual Inspection
Looking closely is a good way to tell PU leather from genuine leather. PU leather usually looks very smooth and even. It does not have the tiny holes or rough patterns that real leather has. Genuine leather shows little lines, special pores, and different patterns because it comes from animals. The edges of PU leather are neat and may show glue. Genuine leather edges look rough or unfinished.
PU leather always has the same grain pattern.
Genuine leather has natural marks, pores, and lines.
PU leather edges look neat; genuine leather edges look rough.
PU leather can peel or flake as it gets older.
Genuine leather gets darker and softer over time.
You can also check the back side. PU leather often has a cloth backing. Genuine leather does not have this. These clues help people pick the right leather.
Touch and Smell
Feeling and smelling the leather gives more hints. Genuine leather feels soft and bouncy. It feels warm when you touch it. PU leather feels harder and smoother. Sometimes it feels sticky, especially if it is not high quality. When you bend real leather, it bends slowly and shows lines. PU leather stays stiff and does not bounce back.
Test Type | Genuine Leather | PU Leather | Semi-PU Leather | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Touch | Soft, warm, stretchy; slow to smooth out lines | Hard, smooth, cold; stiff lines | Soft, less stretchy; a bit rough | Hard to tell; semi-PU can seem like real leather |
Smell | Natural, earthy smell | Plastic or chemical smell | Mixed smell | Smell can change; burning test is not safe |
PU leather often smells like plastic or chemicals. Many people do not like this smell. Genuine leather has a special, natural smell that fake leather cannot copy. But touch and smell tests are not always perfect. Some semi-PU leathers can feel and smell almost like real leather, so these tests are not always enough.
Tip: Use looking, touching, and smelling together for the best results.
Labels and Certification
Labels and certificates give helpful facts about PU leather. Good certificates include:
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Checks for organic materials and no bad chemicals.
OEKO-TEX Leather Standard: Tests for bad stuff and makes sure the supply chain is clear.
USDA BioPreferred: Checks for plant-based content and less use of oil.
People should read labels closely. Words like “genuine leather” or “bonded leather” might not mean what you think. Clear labels help stop greenwashing, which is when products seem eco-friendly but are not. Buyers can look up brands, learn what labels mean, and check for certificates to know where products come from. Apps and websites can also help check if products are real and good for the planet.
Note: Certificates and clear labels help people pick PU leather that matches their values and helps the earth.
Applications
Bags
PU leather is a popular pick for making bags. Designers use it for handbags, backpacks, wallets, and travel bags. The material feels smooth and comes in many colors. Horizon Leather gives PU leather that does not scratch or stain easily. This helps bags stay looking new for a long time. Many brands like PU leather because it is light. People can carry these bags all day without getting tired. The material keeps its shape well. Bags do not sag or lose their form after lots of use. Horizon Leather lets customers choose different textures, patterns, and finishes. This helps brands match their own style.
Tip: You can clean PU leather bags easily. Just wipe them with a damp cloth to get rid of dirt.
Key Benefits for Bags:
Many colors and textures to pick from
Light and comfy to carry
Stays strong with daily use
Simple to clean
Shoes
Shoe makers use PU leather for sneakers, boots, sandals, and dress shoes. The material bends and moves with your feet. Horizon Leather gives PU leather that does not let water or stains in. This keeps shoes clean and dry in all kinds of weather. PU leather shoes look modern and stylish. Designers can make them shiny, dull, or with cool patterns. The material is good for neat stitching and fun designs. Horizon Leather’s PU leather meets high quality rules. Shoes keep their color and shape even after lots of wear.
Table: PU Leather vs. Genuine Leather in Shoes
Feature | PU Leather Shoes | Genuine Leather Shoes |
|---|---|---|
Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
Water Resistance | High | Moderate |
Color Choices | Many | Limited |
Maintenance | Simple | Needs special care |
Note: PU leather shoes dry faster than real leather shoes after you clean them.
Furniture
People use PU leather for sofas, chairs, and ottomans. The material makes rooms look modern and nice. Horizon Leather has PU leather that does not let spills or stains soak in. This is good for families with kids or pets. PU leather furniture feels soft and smooth. The surface does not hold dust or things that cause allergies. Cleaning only takes a few minutes. Horizon Leather offers many colors and grain styles. Customers can match PU leather furniture to any room.
Benefits for Furniture:
Stops stains and spills
Easy to clean
Looks modern
Lots of colors and textures
PU leather furniture stays looking new with little work. This makes it a smart pick for busy homes and places where many people go.
Baby Strollers
PU leather is a top pick for baby strollers. Makers use it because it feels smooth and does not stain. Parents like strollers that stay clean and look nice every day. Horizon Leather gives PU leather that is safe for babies. Their material has no bad chemicals. Babies can touch and sit on it safely.
Designers like PU leather because it bends and stretches. The material does not crack or break. Stroller seats and handles move a lot. PU leather keeps its shape and color for months. Horizon Leather has many colors and textures to choose from. Brands can match strollers to what is popular now.
Cleaning strollers can be hard for parents. PU leather makes cleaning easy. Most spills and dirt wipe off with a damp cloth. The surface does not soak up liquids. Parents do not need special cleaners. This saves time and money.
Tip: PU leather helps parents keep stroller seats clean with little work.
Safety is very important for families. Horizon Leather checks its PU leather to make sure it is safe. The material passes big safety tests like REACH and ROHS. Stroller seats made with PU leather do not smell or cause allergies. Babies with sensitive skin can use these strollers without worry.
Makers also like that PU leather is light. Strollers should be easy to carry and fold. PU leather does not make strollers heavy. Parents can lift and store them easily.
The table below shows why PU leather is great for strollers:
Feature | PU Leather by Horizon Leather | Other Materials |
|---|---|---|
Stain Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
Cleaning Ease | Simple wipe | Requires scrubbing |
Safety Standards | High | Varies |
Weight | Lightweight | Heavier |
Color Choices | Many | Limited |
Stroller makers trust Horizon Leather for good quality. The company gives custom colors and finishes. Brands can make strollers that families want. PU leather keeps baby strollers stylish, safe, and easy to care for.
PU leather is a good pick for people who want to save money. It is also good for those who care about animals and the planet. PU leather is easy to clean and take care of. Many brands use PU leather because it always looks the same. It is also better for the earth. Horizon Leather gives strong PU leather to businesses that want to help the planet.
Good price for big or small jobs
Kind to animals and better for nature
Easy to wipe clean and keep nice
PU leather is a smart pick for new products. Real leather is still special, but PU leather has many good points for today’s buyers.
