What is PU Leather? You might hear this question a lot if you make bags. PU leather is an artificial leather that uses a fabric base coated with polyurethane. This material looks and feels like real leather, but it is 100% vegan. If you want a cruelty-free option for your products, PU leather gives you that choice. In fact, more than half of bag brands now offer synthetic leather options, and bags make up a big part of the imitation leather market. Many manufacturers pick PU leather because it is soft, easy to clean, and costs less than natural leather. The market for PU-based artificial leather keeps growing fast, and it is now a top pick for wallets, purses, and handbags.
- Over 58% of bag brands offer synthetic leather options.
- The PU-based synthetic leather segment is projected to reach USD 41,876 million by 2030.
- Synthetic leather is favored for its softness, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Key Takeaways
- PU leather is a vegan choice instead of real leather. It is made from fabric covered with polyurethane.
- More than 58% of bag brands use synthetic leather now. This shows it is very popular in fashion.
- PU leather feels soft and is simple to clean. It costs less than real leather. This makes it a good pick for bag makers.
- This material does not let water in. It bends easily and is light. These things make bags easier to use.
- There are different kinds of PU leather, like microfiber and eco-friendly types. Each kind has special benefits for different bag styles.
- You can make PU leather bags last longer by cleaning them often. Wipe them with a wet cloth to help them stay nice.
- PU leather does not break down in nature. But it is a kind choice for people who care about animals.
- Picking PU leather lets you make many creative designs. You can choose from many colors and textures. This makes it good for many customers.
What is PU Leather
Definition
Have you ever wondered what is pu leather? Many people who make bags ask this too. PU leather means polyurethane leather. It is a fake leather made with fabric like polyester, cotton, or nylon. The fabric gets covered with a layer of polyurethane. This makes it look and feel like real leather. But it is 100% vegan. No animal products are used at all. If you want a cruelty-free choice, pu leather is a good pick. It copies the look and feel of real leather. That is why many bag makers use it today.
Key Features
What makes pu leather special compared to other materials? Let’s look at the facts:
| Characteristics | PU Leather | Other Synthetic Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Made from polyurethane | Varies (e.g., PVC, other polymers) |
| Water Resistance | Yes | Varies |
| Vegan | Yes (100% PU) | Varies |
| Breathability | No | Varies |
| Durability | Less durable, can crack or tear | Varies |
| Appearance | More uniform than real leather | Varies |
PU leather is waterproof and vegan. It has a smooth and even look. It keeps water out, so your bags stay dry. The surface bends easily and does not fold or crease much. You can make bags in many shapes and sizes. It is light, so bags are easy to carry. It does not wrinkle and lasts longer than some real leathers.
Here is how pu leather helps your bags work better:
| Performance Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Waterproofing | The PU layer stops rain from getting inside. This keeps the bag dry and stops the inside from getting wet or changing shape. |
| Flexibility | PU leather bends and folds well. This helps when making different bag styles. |
| Durability | It is light, does not wrinkle, and is tough. Bags last longer because of this. |
| Breathability | Water vapor can pass through, so bags feel comfortable to use. |
| Structure Support | The fabric backing gives the bag shape and strength. This makes the finished bag work better. |
Tip: If you want a material that is simple to clean and holds its shape, pu leather is a great choice for your next bag line.
Uses in Bags
You can find pu leather in many bags. What is pu leather used for? It is great for making stylish and useful bags. Soft pu leather is good for travel bags. It bends and is not heavy. You can carry these bags all day and not get tired. But if you bend or stretch the bag a lot, it might crack after some time.
Here are some bags made with pu leather:
- Everyday tote bags for your daily things
- Backpacks for school, work, or trips
- Fancy evening clutches for special events
| Type of Bag | Description |
|---|---|
| Tote Bags | Bags for daily use and carrying things. |
| Backpacks | Bags you wear on your back for travel or school. |
| Evening Clutches | Small, stylish bags for parties or formal events. |
When you pick pu leather for your bags, you get a material that is easy to use. You can make bags that look fancy but do not cost as much as real leather. If you want to sell vegan or cruelty-free bags, pu leather is a smart choice. Many brands use this fake leather to make their bags stand out.
So, what is pu leather? It is a top choice for making modern, low-cost, and stylish bags.
How PU Leather is Made
If you want to know how pu leather is made, you are in the right place. The process uses no animal products at all. You get a material that is 100% vegan and perfect for making bags. Let’s break down the steps so you can see how artificial leather comes to life.
Materials
You start with a fabric base. This base gives strength and shape to the finished product. Manufacturers use different fabrics, each with its own benefits. Here’s a quick look at the most common choices:
| Fabric Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Porous and rough, often used for a natural feel. |
| Polyester | Durable and strong, great for long-lasting bags. |
| T/C Backing Cloth | A blend of polyester and cotton, offers both strength and comfort. |
| 100% Polyester Backing | High strength and abrasion resistance, perfect for tough use. |
| Knit Backing Cloth | Soft and stretchy, ideal for flexible bag designs. |
You might see knit backing cloth in bags that need to stretch. T/C backing cloth works well when you want both comfort and durability. If you want a bag that lasts, 100% polyester backing is a smart pick.
Process
When you look at how pu leather is made, you will see a few main steps. Each step helps create a strong, good-looking material for your bags.
Preparation
First, you prepare the base fabric. You clean it and make sure it is smooth. This step is important because any dirt or bumps will show up later. You can use non-woven, knitted, or woven fabrics. The fabric gets cut and shaped to fit the coating machines.
Coating
Next, you add the polyurethane layer. You spread a resin slurry over the fabric using a knife or roller. This layer is what gives pu leather its smooth, leather-like surface. Sometimes, you use a machine to make sure the coating is even. After coating, you dry the fabric in a hot air oven. The heat makes the polyurethane turn into a solid film.
Finishing
Now, you move to the finishing steps. You can emboss the surface to add texture, like the grain of real leather. You might dye or print the surface to get the color and look you want. Some factories add extra coatings to make the material waterproof or antibacterial. You can also use hot pressing or cold pressing to make the surface stronger and more resistant to wear.
Tip: You can choose different finishing options to match your brand’s style. Embossing, dyeing, and special coatings help your bags stand out.
Environmental Aspects
You might wonder if pu leather is better for the planet than real leather. The answer is not simple, but here are some facts to help you decide:
- Real leather comes from livestock farming. This process creates a lot of greenhouse gases.
- Making pu leather uses petroleum-based products, but it does not need animals. This means a lower carbon footprint at the start.
- Producing one square meter of pu leather creates about 15.8 kg of CO2. Real leather can create up to 110 kg of CO2 for the same area.
- Artificial leather is not biodegradable. It can last a long time in landfills.
- Real leather, if not treated with lots of chemicals, can break down over time.
- The tanning process for real leather uses a lot of water and harmful chemicals. For example, making one cowhide tote bag can use over 17,000 liters of water.
- Some countries release millions of liters of untreated wastewater from leather tanning into rivers every day.
Note: If you want a lower carbon footprint and a vegan product, pu leather is a good choice. But remember, it is not biodegradable, so recycling and responsible disposal matter.
Now you know how pu leather is made and what goes into each step. You can see why many bag makers choose this material. It gives you design freedom, a cruelty-free label, and a modern look for your bags.
PU Leather Types
When you shop for bag materials, you will notice not all pu leather is alike. There are a few main types. Each type has its own special features. Let’s look at the most common ones you will find.
Standard
Standard pu leather is the type you see most often. Makers coat fabric, like polyester or cotton, with polyurethane. This makes the material look like real leather. It is 100% vegan. The surface is smooth and the color looks even. Standard pu leather feels soft and is simple to clean. You can use it for many bag styles, like totes or backpacks.
If you want something easy and cheap, standard pu leather is a good choice. It does not need much care. You can clean it with a wet cloth. The color stays nice for a long time. But it is not as strong as other types. If you use your bag every day, it might wear out faster.
Tip: Standard pu leather is best for fashion bags that do not carry heavy things.
Microfiber
Microfiber pu leather is better than the standard kind. It feels more like real leather. Makers use tiny fibers in the fabric. Then they add a special polyurethane layer. This makes the surface soft, bendy, and strong.
Microfiber pu leather lasts longer than standard pu leather. It does not scratch or tear easily. The material can soak up a little moisture, so your bag feels nice to touch. If you want to make fancy bags, microfiber pu leather is a smart pick. It gives your bags a high-end look and feel.
Here is a quick chart to show the differences:
| Type | Durability | Feel | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard PU Leather | Moderate | Smooth, basic | Everyday bags, totes |
| Microfiber PU Leather | High | Soft, premium | Luxury bags, purses |
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly pu leather is for people who care about the earth. This type uses fewer bad chemicals when it is made. Sometimes, makers use recycled stuff or water-based polyurethane. You still get a material that looks and feels like leather. But it is better for the planet.
Eco-friendly pu leather can be made from standard or microfiber bases. The big difference is how it is made. You might see labels like “low VOC” or “recycled content” on these bags. If your brand wants to be green, this type is a great pick.
Note: Eco-friendly pu leather helps you offer vegan and earth-friendly products.
Here is a table to show the main differences:
| Type of Leather | Composition and Characteristics | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Standard PU Leather | 100% artificial, copies animal leather | Not as tough, easy to clean |
| Microfiber PU Leather | Tiny non-woven fibers with PU layer, looks like real leather | Very strong, feels better |
| Eco-Friendly PU Leather | Made with earth-friendly ways and materials | Changes, but usually greener |
Now you know how each kind of pu leather works for different bags. You can pick basic, fancy, or eco-friendly types for your needs.
Coated Split
You might see the term “coated split” when you shop for PU leather. What does it mean? Coated split PU leather uses a real leather split as its base. Manufacturers take the lower layer of animal hide, called the split, and cover it with a layer of polyurethane. This process gives you a material that looks like full-grain leather but costs much less.
Here’s how coated split PU leather stands out:
- Hybrid Material: You get a mix of real leather and synthetic PU. The split leather base adds strength, while the PU coating gives a smooth, even finish.
- Affordable Option: Coated split PU leather costs less than full-grain or top-grain leather. You can make stylish bags without a high price tag.
- Consistent Appearance: The PU layer hides flaws in the split leather. Your bags look uniform and polished every time.
Let’s break down the process:
- Factories take split leather, which comes from the lower part of the hide.
- They clean and prepare the split leather.
- Workers apply a layer of polyurethane to the surface.
- The material goes through embossing to add texture, like a grain pattern.
- The finished product gets cut and sewn into bags.
Tip: If you want bags that look like real leather but need to keep costs low, coated split PU leather is a smart pick.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Type | Base Material | Surface Layer | Durability | Cost | Vegan? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard PU | Fabric (polyester, cotton) | Polyurethane | Moderate | Low | Yes |
| Microfiber PU | Microfiber fabric | Polyurethane | High | Medium | Yes |
| Coated Split PU | Split leather | Polyurethane | High | Medium | No |
Why choose coated split PU leather for bags?
- You get the feel and smell of real leather.
- The PU coating protects the split leather from water and stains.
- Bags made with coated split PU leather last longer than standard PU bags.
- You can offer a luxury look at a mid-range price.
But you should know a few things before you choose this material:
- Coated split PU leather is not vegan. It uses animal hide as the base.
- The PU layer can peel or crack over time, especially if you bend the bag a lot.
- Some customers want 100% vegan products. If your brand focuses on cruelty-free, this type may not fit.
Note: Coated split PU leather works best for brands that want a balance between real leather quality and PU leather price. If you want to target both budget and premium markets, this material gives you flexibility.
You can use coated split PU leather for handbags, wallets, and backpacks. It’s a popular choice for mid-range and high-street brands. If you want to offer bags that look and feel like leather but don’t want to pay for full-grain, give coated split PU leather a try.
Polyurethane Leather Benefits
Durability
When you choose pu leather for your bags, you get a material that stands up to daily life. Polyurethane leather resists scratches and stains better than many other materials. You can toss your bag in the car, take it to work, or use it for travel. It keeps its shape and color for years.
Most pu leather bags last between 3 to 5 years if you use them normally. If you take good care of your bag, it can last even longer. The quality of the material, how often you use the bag, and how you clean it all play a part in how long it will last. If you invest in higher-quality pu leather, you will see your bags stay looking new for years.
Tip: Wipe your bag with a damp cloth and avoid harsh chemicals. This simple care routine helps your artificial leather bag last longer.
Cost
One big reason bag makers love pu leather is the price. You can get the look and feel of real leather without the high cost. Polyurethane leather costs much less than genuine leather. This means you can offer stylish bags at a price more people can afford.
Here’s a quick look at how the costs compare:
| Material | Average Cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| PU Leather | $5 – $8 |
| Faux Leather (PVC) | $4 – $6 |
| Genuine Leather | Up to $50 |
You can see that pu leather sits right in the sweet spot. It is more affordable than real leather but gives you a better look and feel than some other synthetics. If you want to keep your production costs down and still offer quality, pu leather is a smart pick.
Design Flexibility
Do you want to create bags in bold colors or unique shapes? Pu leather gives you that freedom. You can find it in almost any color, texture, or finish you want. It can look glossy, matte, or even have a grain pattern like real leather. You can emboss logos, add prints, or create custom textures with ease.
Bag makers love artificial leather because it is easy to cut and sew. You can make slim wallets, structured backpacks, or soft totes. The material holds its shape well, so your designs always look sharp. If you want to try new styles or seasonal collections, polyurethane leather lets you experiment without worry.
Note: With pu leather, you can match any trend or customer request. Your creativity has no limits.
Maintenance
Taking care of your PU leather bags is easy, and you do not need any fancy products. If you want your bags to look great for years, just follow a few simple steps. PU leather does not need the same care as real leather, but it still likes a little attention.
Here are some tips to help you keep your PU leather bags in top shape:
- Wipe your bag with a soft cloth or brush to remove dust and dirt. Do this often, especially if you use your bag every day.
- For a deeper clean, use a mild soap mixed with water. Dip a damp cloth in the solution and gently wipe the surface. Make sure you do not soak the bag.
- Stay away from harsh chemicals or rough scrubbing. These can damage the PU layer and make your bag look old before its time.
- Store your bag in a cool, dry place. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. Too much heat or sun can cause the material to crack or fade.
- Use a dust bag or a breathable cover when you are not using your bag. This keeps it safe from dust and scratches.
- If you need to fold your bag, pad out any creases with tissue paper. This helps the bag keep its shape and stops deep lines from forming.
Tip: A little care goes a long way. Regular cleaning and smart storage will help your PU leather bag last longer and look better.
PU leather is low-maintenance compared to real leather. You do not have to worry about special oils or conditioners. Just keep it clean and dry, and your bag will stay stylish and strong.
Ethical Value
If you care about animal welfare and want to make kinder choices, PU leather gives you a vegan option. You can enjoy the look and feel of leather without using animal products. Many brands now use PU leather to meet the growing demand for cruelty-free fashion.
Some companies take things a step further. For example, Veganologie, a Dubai-based brand, recycles PU leather by melting down 11 plastic bottles for each crossbody bag they make. This shows how PU leather can support both vegan and sustainable goals.
But there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Most PU leather comes from petroleum-based plastics. This means it is not biodegradable and can add to microplastic pollution.
- Synthetic leathers avoid the ethical issues of animal farming, but they do not break down easily in landfills.
- Recycling options for PU leather are still limited. Once a bag wears out, it is hard to reuse the material.
Note: PU leather is a step forward for animal rights, but it is not perfect for the planet. If you want to make the most ethical choice, look for brands that use recycled materials or eco-friendly production methods.
You can feel good about choosing PU leather if you want a vegan product. Just remember to think about the full life cycle of your bag. When you pick brands that care about both animals and the environment, you help push the fashion industry in a better direction.
PU Leather Limitations
Drawbacks
When you look at the pros and cons of pu leather, you will see that this material has some clear downsides. You might love how it looks and feels, but it is important to know where it falls short. Here is a table that shows the most common drawbacks you might face when using PU leather for bags:
| Drawback | Description |
|---|---|
| Lower durability | PU leather is less durable than genuine leather, so it can crack and wear out over time. |
| Poor breathability | Limited breathability means heat and moisture can build up, making bags less comfy in hot weather. |
| Noticeable chemical odor | Some low-quality PU leather has a strong chemical smell, which can make storage tricky. |
| Difficult to degrade and recycle | PU leather is not biodegradable, so it can cause problems for the environment. |
| Significant quality variability | The quality of PU leather can change a lot, so you need to check each batch carefully. |
Breathability
You might notice that artificial leather does not breathe as well as real leather. This means air and moisture cannot pass through the material easily. If you use a PU leather bag in warm weather, it can feel hot and sticky. The inside of the bag might get damp if you carry wet items or use it in humid places. This can make your bag less comfortable to use for long periods.
Tip: If you want a bag for summer or sports, you may want to look for designs with extra vents or mesh panels to help with airflow.
Peeling
Another thing you should watch out for is peeling. Over time, the top layer of PU leather can start to crack or peel away, especially if you bend or fold the bag a lot. This happens more often with cheaper PU leather or if you do not take care of your bag. Peeling makes the bag look old and worn out, even if you have not used it for very long.
You can slow down peeling by storing your bag in a cool, dry place and cleaning it gently. Still, you should know that PU leather will not last as long as real leather, especially if you use your bag every day.
Choosing Factors
When you decide if PU leather is right for your bags, you need to think about a few key things. Here are some factors that can help you make the best choice:
Use Case
Think about how your customers will use the bag. PU leather works well for fashion bags, school backpacks, and wallets that do not need to carry heavy loads. If you want to make bags for travel or outdoor use, you might need a tougher material. Durability matters if the bag will see a lot of action.
Customer Needs
You should also consider what your customers care about most. Some people want a bag that looks like real leather but costs less. Others want a vegan or cruelty-free product. Some care about the environment and want a bag that is easy to recycle. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- PU leather is durable and easy to clean, which is great for busy people.
- The look and feel are close to real leather, so it is good for style-focused buyers.
- Some customers may not like the chemical smell or the fact that it is not biodegradable.
- If your customers want eco-friendly options, look for PU leather made with recycled materials.
Note: Always match your material choice to your brand values and your customers’ top needs.
PU Leather vs Other Materials
When you choose bag materials, you want to compare them. Let’s see how pu leather matches up with genuine leather, PVC leather, and other synthetics. This helps you pick what works best for your brand and customers.
Genuine Leather
You may ask how pu leather is different from genuine leather. Both look nice, but they are not the same. Genuine leather comes from animal skin. It feels warm and gets better as it ages. PU leather is made in factories. It uses fabric and a polyurethane layer. It looks like real leather but costs less.
Here’s a table to show the differences:
| Feature | PU Leather (Synthetic) | Genuine Leather (Natural) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear grain, even color | Natural grain, unique imperfections |
| Performance | Water-resistant, easy to clean | Breathable, sensitive to stains |
| Durability | Lasts 2-5 years | Lasts 10-30+ years |
| Care | Wipe clean, low maintenance | Needs conditioning and care |
| Price Range | $20-$200 | $120-$50,000+ |
| Environmental | Non-biodegradable, easier to produce | Biodegradable, but tanning impacts |
PU leather is simple to clean and keeps its color. Genuine leather needs more care but lasts longer. If you want a vegan or cheaper bag, pu leather is a good pick. If you want a bag that changes over time and feels special, genuine leather is better.
Tip: Pick pu leather for trendy, low-cost bags. Choose genuine leather for classic, long-lasting styles.
PVC Leather
PVC leather is another fake material used for bags. It is made from plastic called polyvinyl chloride. This makes it strong and cheap, but there are problems.
| Feature | PU Leather | PVC Leather |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Softer, less durable | More durable, abrasion-resistant |
| Breathability | More breathable | Less breathable |
| Texture | More natural feel | Less natural, plastic-like |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Environmental Impact | VOC emissions, hard to recycle | Dioxin emissions, toxic waste |
PVC leather is tough and does not scratch easily. But it feels less like real leather. It can also make harmful chemicals when made. PU leather feels softer and looks more real. Both can hurt the environment, but PVC leather is often worse because of pollution.
Note: PVC leather is cheap and strong, but it is not as green or comfy as pu leather.
Other Synthetics
There are more choices than just pu leather and PVC. Other synthetics, like microfiber leather, have their own benefits. Microfiber leather uses tiny fibers to copy real leather. It feels soft, lasts longer, and is used by fancy brands. Some synthetics are less bendy or have fewer colors than pu leather.
Here’s a table to compare:
| Material | Flexibility | Customization Options | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| PU Leather | Soft, flexible | Many colors, textures, prints | Fashion bags, wallets |
| Microfiber Leather | Very soft, premium | Good, but higher cost | Luxury bags, purses |
| PVC Leather | Stiff, less flexible | Fewer options | Budget bags, work gear |
You can make pu leather into many shapes and colors. Other synthetics may not let you design as much. If you want bold styles or special prints, pu leather gives you more options.
Tip: For creative looks and a soft touch, pu leather is a top choice among fake materials.
Your choice depends on what you care about most—price, look, feel, or the planet. Each material has its use in making bags. Now you know how pu leather is different from the others.
Conclusion
You now know what makes pu leather a smart choice for bags. Remember to check the type, ask for samples, and look for certifications like OEKO-TEX or GRS. Watch out for common myths—vegan does not always mean eco-friendly. If you want custom, OEM, or ODM bags, our team can help you meet style, quality, and ethical standards. Ready to create your next best-selling bag? Reach out for expert advice today!
FAQ
What does PU leather stand for?
PU leather stands for polyurethane leather. You get this material when manufacturers coat fabric with a layer of polyurethane. It looks and feels like real leather, but it is vegan.
Is PU leather waterproof?
Yes, PU leather is waterproof. The polyurethane coating keeps water out. Your bag stays dry even if you get caught in the rain.
Can PU leather crack or peel?
PU leather can crack or peel over time, especially if you bend or fold your bag a lot. You can slow this down by storing your bag in a cool, dry place.
How do you clean PU leather bags?
You can clean PU leather bags with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals. Wipe gently to keep the surface smooth.
Is PU leather eco-friendly?
PU leather is vegan, but it is not biodegradable. Some eco-friendly PU leathers use recycled materials or water-based coatings. Always check the label for green options.
Does PU leather smell like real leather?
PU leather does not smell like real leather. Sometimes, it has a slight chemical odor. This smell fades after you air out your bag.
What types of bags use PU leather?
You see PU leather in tote bags, backpacks, wallets, and clutches. Brands use it for fashion, travel, and everyday bags.
How long does PU leather last?
Most PU leather bags last 3 to 5 years with normal use. If you take good care of your bag, it can last even longer.
