PU synthetic leather
Also known as: Polyurethane synthetic leather, PU leather, Bicast leather (with leather backing only)
Textile or fibre backing with a polyurethane coating, leather-like look without animal raw materials.
Description
PU synthetic leather consists of a textile or nonwoven backing coated with a polyurethane layer and embossed to imitate the grain of real leather. The combination of backing and PU film results in a soft, elastic and durable material.
PU synthetic leather is used as an animal-free alternative to cowhide in jackets, bags, shoes, furniture covers and car seats. It is significantly lighter than leather, water-repellent, easily dyed and easy care. Compared to PVC, polyurethane is plasticiser-free and considered more skin-friendly and environmentally friendly.
- Backing plus PU coating
- Animal-free and plasticiser-free
- Water-repellent and easy care
- Lighter and more breathable than PVC synthetic leather
Ecological variants use recycled polyester backing and low-solvent, water-based PU coatings; bio-based PU systems (e.g. Desserto® from cactus) are gaining ground.
Properties
| Structure | Backing + PU coating |
|---|---|
| Animal-free | yes |
| Plasticisers | none (PU-free) |
| Typical use | Jackets, bags, shoes |
Related product categories
Sources & references
3- Wikipedia: Kunstleder Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunstleder
- OEKO-TEX OEKO-TEX Association https://www.oeko-tex.com/
- Textile Exchange Textile Exchange https://textileexchange.org/
