Why does synthetic leather peel?

Synthetic leather peeling can happen due to several reasons.

One of the main causes is poor quality. Some synthetic leathers are made with cheap materials and inferior manufacturing processes. When the materials used are not of good quality, they may not bond together properly. For example, the layers of the synthetic leather that are supposed to be firmly attached can start to separate easily. This is like when you buy a pair of shoes made of low-quality synthetic leather. After just a short period of wearing them, you might notice the surface starting to peel off because the glue or the bonding agents used during production didn't do their job well.

Exposure to harsh conditions also plays a big role. Synthetic leather is often used in outdoor items like car seats or patio furniture. If it's constantly exposed to strong sunlight for a long time, the ultraviolet rays can break down the chemical structure of the synthetic material. This makes it become brittle and more likely to peel. The same goes for extreme temperatures. In very hot weather, the synthetic leather can expand and then contract when it cools down. This repeated expansion and contraction can cause the layers to separate and start peeling.

Another factor is excessive wear and tear. If synthetic leather is used in a place where there is a lot of friction, like the edges of a bag that rubs against your body all the time or the seat of a chair that people sit on and move around a lot, it will gradually wear out. The surface layer can start to come off little by little as the friction weakens the bond between the layers. And sometimes, improper cleaning methods can also lead to peeling. Using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard when cleaning synthetic leather can damage its surface and make it more prone to peeling. In general, taking good care of synthetic leather and avoiding exposing it to extreme conditions can help to reduce the problem of peeling.