Synthetic leather is a man-made material engineered to replicate the appearance and performance characteristics of natural leather. It goes by several names: imitation leather, faux leather, artificial leather, pleather, and leatherette are all terms for the same general category of material.
Synthetic leather is used across a wide range of industries, from automotive interiors and hospitality seating to healthcare equipment and consumer goods manufacturing. For manufacturers producing at scale, synthetic leather offers consistent quality at a significantly lower cost than natural leather.
How Is Synthetic Leather Made?
Synthetic leather is a multi-layer material. It features a fabric base that is coated with a polymer material. The most common polymers are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU). The surface is finished with embossing and treatments that create the grain pattern and sheen associated with leather.
The specific construction of imitation leather material varies by manufacturer, as well as the intended application. PVC-based products often incorporate a foam layer for a softer and more cushioned feel. A plasticizer is also added to make the PVC flexible since the base material is rigid. Additional treatments can be applied for performance requirements like UV resistance or flame retardancy.
Adams Plastics distributes expanded vinyl imitation leather, a PVC-based construction with a knit backing. You can learn more about our specific artificial leather products on our Imitation Leather page.
Types of Artificial Leather
Not all artificial leather is the same. This material category covers a range of constructions, each with different performance characteristics. The two primary types used in commercial and industrial applications are PVC leather and PU leather.
PVC Leather
PVC leather, also called vinyl leather, is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of synthetic leather. A polyvinyl chloride coating is applied to a fabric base, then finished with embossing and surface treatments to achieve the desired texture and sheen. The result is a durable and water-resistant material.
Expanded Vinyl is a specific construction of PVC leather. Rather than a dense PVC coating, expanded vinyl incorporates a foamed PVC layer that gives the material a softer and more cushioned feel. A knit backing is added for dimensional stability and tear resistance. Expanded vinyl is used extensively in commercial upholstery applications that require durability and comfort.
Adams Plastics carries two expanded vinyl product lines, both 54″ wide and made from PVC with a polyester or polyester/cotton backing:
- Bermuda Expanded Vinyl Knit-Back: A knit-back construction available in 13 colors, used across hospitality, automotive, and furniture seating applications.
- Pelican/Marine Expanded Supported Knit-Back: A supported knit-back construction built for consistent UV, moisture, and weather exposure. Available in 9 colors and widely used for outdoor commercial furniture and pool & spa covers.
PU Leather
Polyurethane leather uses a PU polymer coating rather than PVC, applied to a fabric base using a similar lamination or coating process. PU leather is softer and more flexible than PVC leather and tends to feel closer to natural leather to the touch. It is widely used in fashion, accessories, and automotive interiors that prioritize higher levels of comfort and a premium appearance rather than durability.
PU leather is generally more breathable than PVC but tends to be less resistant to abrasion and prolonged outdoor exposure. In demanding environments, it can also be more susceptible to delamination over time.
Imitation Leather vs. Natural Leather: Key Differences
For manufacturers and commercial buyers, the choice between synthetic and natural leather generally comes down to a few key factors:
- Cost: Synthetic leather is considerably less expensive than natural leather.
- Consistency: Natural leather varies in texture, thickness, and color. Synthetic leather is manufactured to consistent specifications, which simplifies quality control.
- Performance in specific environments: For applications involving UV or moisture exposure, synthetic leather often outperforms natural leather.
- Upkeep and Maintenance: Natural leather requires conditioning and is more vulnerable to water damage if it is not properly treated. Synthetic leather does not need to be conditioned and is easy to clean.
- Longevity: When properly maintained, natural leather can typically outlast synthetic leather. However, for many high-use commercial applications, synthetic leather is often still the more practical choice despite a shorter potential lifespan.
Common Industrial Applications for Synthetic Leather
Synthetic leather is used across a broad range of commercial and industrial settings, including:
- Restaurant and hospitality seating
- Spa, pool, and outdoor furniture covers
- Automotive interiors and healthcare furniture
- Western boot manufacturing and other specialty apparel
Sourcing Synthetic Leather and Imitation Leather Roll Stock
Adams Plastics distributes synthetic leather and artificial leather products in roll stock form for manufacturers and commercial buyers. Our expanded vinyl knit-back product lines are available in a wide range of colors and stocked for wholesale quantities.
To learn more about our synthetic leather products, visit our Imitation Leather page, or contact our team to discuss your application requirements. You can also request a sample to get a closer look at our imitation leather products before purchasing.