Artificial leather or real leather: Both materials compared - picard

You are looking for a new accessory and have discovered a really beautiful one. But this beautiful handbag is made of imitation leather , even though you were so sure that it was leather.

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Now you have a lot of questions that need answers, right?

• You are probably wondering, what is better, real leather or faux leather?
• How can you tell real leather from imitation leather?

Great that you found us, because we would like to tell you more about the properties and differences between leather and imitation leather.

What is synthetic leather?

A textile fabric (e.g. polyester) which is coated with PVC or polyurethane is called artificial leather.

During production, this fabric layer is coated with liquid PVC or polyurethane. This process stabilizes the composite and creates the artificial leather.

But that's not all, because over the years the manufacturing process has changed a lot and more and more materials are being used that imitate the feel and look of real leather.

It is really not easy to distinguish artificial leather from real leather.

Plant-based artificial leather is particularly interesting for people who live vegan.

But here you have to take a closer look, because although no animal has given up its skin for artificial leather, bone glue is still often used in the processing of artificial leather.

What is genuine leather?

Leather is animal skin , a natural product that is made durable through processing.

Expert knowledge: Most commonly , beef, buffalo, goat, lamb, deer, wild boar or pork are used for leather production. After the skin has been separated from the meat and the hair has been removed, the skin must be quickly placed in a brine .

It is covered with a thick layer of salt to stop the decomposition process .

To make the skin durable and prevent it from decomposing, it is tanned and then dried.

Tanning has also evolved over the years, but chrome tanning is still the most commonly used method. But vegetable or synthetic tanned leather is also widely used in the leather world.

Faux leather vs real leather: The advantages and disadvantages

Let's take a closer look at the two competitors. Are there perhaps similarities or do the two materials differ significantly in their advantages and disadvantages ?

leatherette

PVC or polyurethane coatings are used in the production of artificial leather, as well as various plasticizers, solvents and binding agents. Let's look at how this affects the advantages and disadvantages of artificial leather.

Advantages:

• Water repellent
  
  
• No use of animal skins
  
  
• Less waste than with genuine leather, as it can be produced by the meter
  
  
• Cheaper compared to real leather
  
  
• Easy to clean , even in the washing machine (but please do not put handbags in the washing machine)

Disadvantages:

• Less or not at all breathable
  
  
• Higher environmental impact in the manufacturing process, processing and disposal
  
  
• Not as durable as leather
  
  
• Not a purely natural product

Genuine leather

Chromium salts are used in the processing to create stretchable leather. This stretchability is important for further processing into clothing, shoes and handbags.

Now let’s get down to business and take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of leather .

Advantages:

• Pure natural product
  
  
• Durable
  
  
• Breathable
  
  
• Robust
  
  
• Unique
  
  
• versatility
  
  
• High wearing comfort
  
  
• sustainability

Disadvantages:

• More expensive to manufacture and produce
  
  
• Animal product
  
  
• More waste , because a skin has not grown straight or may have defects (scars)

Artificial leather or real leather: Which is more robust?

Here, genuine leather clearly scores points with its robustness, as it is naturally more abrasion-resistant, tear-resistant and durable.

Artificial leather or real leather: How does the appearance of the different types of leather differ?

In the past, it was really easy to distinguish faux leather from real leather.

The look, the feel, the stiffness - all of that quickly caught the eye and quickly exposed the artificial leather.

Over the years, the manufacturing processes and materials used have changed so much that it is often difficult for the untrained eye to tell what is artificial leather or real leather.

If you are not sure whether it is faux leather or real leather, look for the leather symbol.

Although this symbol is not protected, the use of a leather symbol is a guarantee that the product is made of genuine leather.

Conclusion

The decision between faux leather and real leather depends on personal preferences and needs. Faux leather is water-repellent, animal-free and less expensive, but not as durable, breathable and sustainable as real leather.

Real leather is a robust, breathable and sustainable natural product, but it is more expensive and uses animal materials.

The appearance of both materials has become more similar over time, which is why it has become more difficult to distinguish them. To be sure whether it is real leather, you should look for the leather symbol.

FAQ

What are the basic differences between faux leather and real leather?

Artificial leather is made from a textile fabric with a PVC or polyurethane coating and imitates the look of leather.

It is water-resistant, animal-free and less expensive, but less breathable and not as durable. Real leather comes from animal hides, is tanned and is breathable, durable and sustainable, but it uses animal materials and is more expensive to produce.

What factors should be considered when choosing between faux leather and real leather?

When deciding between artificial leather and real leather, personal preferences and needs should play a role.

Synthetic leather is good for vegans, is water-resistant and affordable. Real leather offers natural quality, durability and breathability, but is more expensive and uses animal materials. The choice depends on aspects such as comfort, aesthetics, sustainability and ethical considerations.

Find out more by reading our other articles.

This is a comprehensive guide comparing PU leather and Faux leather.

As demand for animal-friendly choices and sustainability increases, an understanding of the differences between PU and faux leather is now essential.

The aim here is to analyze these leather alternatives in-depth, examine individual characteristics, how they are manufactured, their impact on the environment, and practicality which will assist you in selecting your perfect alternative leather.

Key Similarities & Differences

Similarities

1. Both PU leather and faux leather are synthetic materials that have been designed to imitate genuine leather both in look and feel.
2. PU leather and faux leather are both made without the use of animal hides. This makes them both a choice for anyone who chooses not to use animal products.
3. Both materials are usually more durable than real leather, due to their resistance to staining, cracking, and fading.
4. A wide range of design possibilities is available for both PU leather and faux leather, including finishes, textures, and colors.
5. Both PU leather and faux leather are easily maintained and can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap.

Differences

1. PU leather is a specific type of faux leather and is made using a layer of polyurethane that is applied to a fabric back, Faux leather is a term used to describe various types of synthetic materials.
2. The appearance of PU leather is more realistic in comparison to other types of faux leather, it has a close resemblance in texture, grain, and general aesthetics to real leather.
3. Both faux leather and PU leather, are usually less breathable than real leather, which will affect comfort, especially during warmer weather or extended wear.
4. PU leather is usually more costly than other faux leathers. This is because it is of a higher quality and has a more similar appearance to real leather whereas faux leathers are available within a broader price range.
5. Both materials have less impact on the environment than genuine leather, however, the particular process of manufacture and the materials can vary, resulting in differences in their overall sustainability.

Sick of artificial leather? Why not choose a real leather bag instead, such as the premium range from Vonbaer.com.

CHENGLIDA supply professional and honest service.

Related guides:

• Leather
• Faux leather
• Vegan leather
• Bonded vs Real vs Faux leather
• Bonded leather
• Genuine leather
• Pleather
• Top grain leather
• Leather guide for beginners
• What is leather patina
• Vegetable tanned leather

What is PU Leather?

PU leather, or polyurethane leather, as it is also known, is a synthetic material made by applying a layer of polyurethane onto a fabric backing.

This creates the leather-like appearance and texture which is characteristic of PU leather.

The manufacturing method involves treating a base material, polyester or cotton for example, and applying a layer of polyurethane to enhance the material’s resistance and durability.

It is worth noting that although PU leather has several advantages including low maintenance and cost, the method of manufacture usually involves using petroleum-based materials and techniques which are energy intensive.

In addition, PU leather’s breathability is limited, and, in some cases, chemical odors may be a concern.

What is Faux Leather?

Faux leather, synthetic leather, or artificial leather, as it is sometimes known, is a different type of leather alternative which is popular.

Typically, it is made of a fabric base, either polyester or cotton, with a layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU) applied.

Faux leather methods of production are complex processes that involve bonding or laminating the coating layer onto the base fabric.

There are several advantages to faux leather, not least its design versatility and animal-friendly nature.

Faux leather in comparison to PU leather, usually has better breathability.

Its long-term durability may be limited, however, and it can also be more costly than PU leather.

You may also need to clean it more carefully.

Related guides:

• Leather tanning
• What is artificial leather?
• What is full grain leather
• Where does leather come from
• Mushroom leather
• Napa leather
• Pebbled leather
• Leather grades
• How is leather made
• Suede

More Detailed Comparison

Aesthetics and Performance

Regarding aesthetics, both PU leather and faux leather attempt to imitate natural leather. Although PU leather frequently has a smooth and uniform appearance to the surface texture, faux leather can have a grainier texture that imitates natural leather.

As for performance, PU leather is renowned for its durability and resistance to use but is more resistant to scratching and color fading. Faux leather, although usually less durable, it offers a good level of performance relative to its quality and method of manufacture.

Consideration of intended use and expected longevity of the product is important when evaluating performance.

Environmental Impact

Assessment of the impact leather alternatives have on the environment must consider certain factors. The petroleum-based materials of PU leather along with its energy-intensive method of manufacture, can cause concern due to its reliance on non-renewable resources and carbon footprint.

Also challenging are the methods of PU product disposal due to their non-biodegradable properties.

Faux leather, however, in some respects, is seen as more environmentally friendly. There are manufacturers who make use of recycled or renewable materials in their faux leather production which, in turn, reduces their ecological footprint,

An important point to note is that in some variations of faux leather, PVC use can result in negative implications for the environment.

When the production, use, disposal, and entire life cycle of the product are considered, an informed decision becomes possible.

Related guides:

• PU leather
• Bonded leather vs Faux leather
• Italian leather
• How to tell if leather is real
• Buffalo leather
• Suede vs Leather
• What is Real Leather

Making an Informed Decision

Considerations for selecting the best leather alternative:

Durability

To determine the required level of durability, the intended use should be assessed.

If you need a durable material that will withstand heavy use, a good choice may be PU leather, renowned for its durability and resistance to wear and tear, but if you need material for fashion purposes or occasional use, the durability of faux leather will suffice.

Affordability

When selecting either PU or faux leather, consider your budget. PU leather is less expensive than natural leather making it a cost-effective selection, whereas the price varies for faux leather according to the process of manufacture and quality.

The balance between cost and quality should be considered along with your budget.

Maintenance

Familiarize yourself with cleaning and care instructions for each type of alternative leather. PU is frequently easier to care for and needs only a simple wipe with a damp cloth, but faux leather may require specific methods of cleaning and specialized products may be needed for some types of products.

Assess your ability and willingness to follow the instructions recommended for maintenance to keep your alternative leather in good condition.

Aesthetics

Ensure that visual appeal and texture match your preferences and are suitable for your intended use. A smooth, uniform appearance is usual for PU leather which gives a modern, sleek look.

On the other hand, faux leather offers various finishes and textures. It also offers options that imitate the grains of natural leather. Select the most suitable for your style preference and desired outcome.

Environmental Impact

The environmental implications of each type of alternative leather should be considered. Compared to natural leather, both PU and faux leather are considered more sustainable. Their environmental footprints are different.

Energy-intensive methods of manufacture and petroleum-based materials are relied upon by PU leather which contributes to the consumption of non-renewable resources and emissions. Faux leather, more so those made with renewable or recyclable materials, have less of an ecological impact.

Make a selection aligning with your sustainability values and goals.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our article on pu vs faux leather.

If you have any questions or comments, contact us at , or leave them in the comments.

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