Catalog
Material Insight: What Is Pu Leather Material
B2B Product Guide: Understanding PU Leather Material
Polyurethane (PU) leather, commonly referred to as faux or synthetic leather, is a high-performance alternative to genuine leather made by applying a polyurethane coating to a fabric backing—typically polyester or cotton. Designed to replicate the look, feel, and durability of natural leather, PU leather offers a consistent, cost-effective, and cruelty-free solution for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. Unlike traditional leather, which relies on animal hides and resource-intensive tanning processes, PU leather is engineered for uniformity, scalability, and environmental responsibility.
- PU leather is breathable, flexible, and resistant to cracking and fading.
- It is available in a wide array of textures, colors, and finishes, enabling customization for specific design and functional needs.
- The material is inherently more sustainable than animal leather, requiring less water and energy during production and generating lower carbon emissions.
Why Faux Leather Is the Best Choice for This Application
Faux leather, particularly high-grade PU leather, has become the material of choice across industries such as furniture, automotive interiors, fashion, and footwear due to its balanced performance and ethical profile. For B2B manufacturers and designers, the advantages are clear:
- Consistency in Quality: Unlike natural leather, which varies in grain and thickness, PU leather provides uniform texture and performance across large production runs.
- Durability and Maintenance: Resistant to abrasion, UV rays, and moisture, PU leather maintains its appearance over time with minimal upkeep.
- Sustainability Compliance: As brands face increasing pressure to meet ESG goals, PU leather supports eco-friendly supply chains without sacrificing aesthetics or function.
- Cost Efficiency: Offers a premium look at a fraction of the cost of genuine leather, enabling better margin control and competitive pricing.
Introducing WINIW: Innovation in Synthetic Leather for Over 20 Years
WINIW is a leading global manufacturer of high-performance synthetic leather, with over two decades of expertise in developing advanced PU leather solutions for B2B clients. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability has positioned us as a trusted partner for brands seeking reliable, scalable, and environmentally responsible materials.
- Founded in 2002, WINIW has supplied premium PU leather to industries including automotive, furniture, apparel, and accessories.
- Our R&D-driven approach ensures continuous improvement in softness, breathability, and eco-compatibility.
- We hold multiple international certifications for environmental and quality management, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100.
- WINIW’s production facilities utilize water-based, low-VOC processes to minimize environmental impact while delivering superior product performance.
With a focus on long-term partnerships and technical excellence, WINIW empowers manufacturers to meet evolving market demands with confidence—delivering materials that are not only high-performing but also aligned with a more sustainable future.
Technical Performance & Standards
WINIW PU Leather Material: Technical Specifications & B2B Advantages
WINIW PU leather is a high-performance synthetic material engineered for industrial applications, consisting of a polyurethane (PU) coating bonded to a textile substrate (typically polyester or nylon). Unlike PVC alternatives, PU leather offers superior breathability, flexibility, and environmental compatibility without sacrificing mechanical strength. Designed for manufacturers seeking reliable, sustainable material sourcing, WINIW’s formulation delivers consistent technical performance across diverse production environments.
Core Technical Advantages for B2B Applications
- Cost-Effectiveness: Eliminates the volatility of genuine leather supply chains and reduces scrap rates by 15–20% through precise thickness control (±0.05mm). Lower processing energy requirements vs. PVC (20% reduced calendering temperatures) cut operational costs without compromising yield.
- Enhanced Durability: Achieves 50,000+ double-rub cycles (Martindale ASTM D4966) and 15N/mm² tensile strength (ISO 1767), resisting cracking, peeling, and abrasion in high-stress applications like automotive seating and furniture. Hydrolysis-resistant formulation ensures 5+ years of integrity in humid climates.
- Precision Color Customization: Proprietary dyeing technology supports 1,000+ RAL/Pantone-matched shades with ΔE < 0.8 color consistency (ISO 105-A02) across 50,000m+ production runs. Digital color libraries enable seamless reorders and batch-to-batch uniformity for global supply chains.
- REACH Compliance: Fully compliant with EU REACH Annex XVII, with zero detectable levels of restricted phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP), AZO dyes, or heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg). Comprehensive SVHC documentation provided for supply chain transparency.
- ISO 9001-Certified Quality Control: Rigorous in-line testing at every production stage (substrate weaving, coating, finishing) ensures defect rates < 0.3%. Traceable batch records and real-time process monitoring guarantee adherence to automotive, furniture, and electronics industry standards.
WINIW PU Leather Technical Specifications
| Parâmetro | Especificação | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness Range | 0.6mm – 1.2mm (customizable) | ISO 2424 |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 15 N/mm² (warp & weft) | ISO 1767 |
| Elongation at Break | ≥ 80% | ISO 1767 |
| Martindale Abrasion | ≥ 50,000 cycles (no coating failure) | ASTM D4966 |
| Color Fastness (Light) | Grade 6–7 (ISO Blue Scale) | ISO 105-B02 |
| Color Fastness (Rubbing) | Grade 4–5 (wet/dry) | ISO 105-X12 |
| Hydrolysis Resistance | Pass (500h @ 70°C, 65% RH) | ISO 1419 |
| pH Value | 5.0 – 7.0 | ISO 4045 |
| Eco-Compliance | REACH SVHC-free, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 | Internal Audit |
| Fire Resistance | ASTM D6413, FMVSS 302 (customizable) | Industry-Specific |
WINIW PU leather balances industrial efficiency with ecological responsibility, enabling manufacturers to meet stringent regulatory demands while optimizing production economics. Our vertically integrated process—from substrate sourcing to finished roll—ensures full control over material integrity, supporting brands committed to scalable, sustainable innovation. Specifications subject to customization for volume OEM partnerships.
Why Choose Synthetic over Real Leather
B2B Product Guide: PU Leather vs. Real Leather
Understanding the differences between PU (polyurethane) leather and real leather is essential for manufacturers, designers, and procurement professionals across industries such as furniture, automotive, fashion, and accessories. Each material offers distinct advantages and trade-offs in terms of cost, performance, and sustainability.
PU leather is a synthetic material composed of a polyurethane coating applied to a backing fabric, typically polyester. It is engineered to mimic the texture and appearance of genuine leather while offering enhanced consistency and lower production costs. As a cruelty-free and more sustainable alternative, PU leather has gained significant traction in eco-conscious supply chains.
Real leather, by contrast, is derived from animal hides—primarily bovine—that undergo tanning and finishing processes. It is valued for its natural grain, durability, and premium feel. However, real leather production involves higher environmental impacts due to resource-intensive processing and chemical usage.
Key differences between PU leather and real leather include:
- Origin: PU leather is synthetic and animal-free; real leather is a natural byproduct of the meat industry.
- Consistency: PU leather offers uniform texture and color; real leather may have natural imperfections and variations.
- Maintenance: PU leather is easier to clean and more resistant to staining and fading; real leather requires conditioning and careful handling.
- Respirabilidade: Real leather typically offers better breathability; high-end microfiber PU leathers are improving in this area.
- Lifespan: Real leather generally lasts longer with proper care; PU leather may degrade faster under prolonged UV exposure or heavy use.
The following table compares PU leather and real leather across three critical business considerations:
| Factor | Couro PU | Real Leather |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower material and processing costs; economical for high-volume production | Higher raw material and processing costs; premium pricing |
| Durabilidade | Moderate resistance to wear and cracking; performance varies by grade | High durability; develops a patina over time; resistant to abrasion |
| Eco-Friendliness | Lower carbon footprint; no animal sourcing; recyclable options available | Higher environmental impact due to land/water use and tanning chemicals; biodegradable but not always sustainable |
WINIW specializes in advanced synthetic leather solutions, including high-performance PU leathers engineered for durability, aesthetic precision, and environmental responsibility. Our materials support sustainable manufacturing goals without compromising on quality or design flexibility.
For B2B partners seeking scalable, ethical, and cost-effective alternatives to real leather, PU leather represents a strategic choice aligned with modern regulatory and consumer demands.
WINIW Factory Capabilities
WINIW Synthetic Leather: Engineered for Global B2B Excellence
WINIW stands as a leading manufacturer of high-performance synthetic leather, engineered to meet the rigorous demands of global brands and manufacturers. Our vertically integrated operations, unwavering commitment to sustainability, and deep technical expertise ensure partners receive reliable, innovative materials that drive product success in competitive markets.
Core Manufacturing Strength
Our foundation is built upon world-class production capabilities designed for scale, precision, and environmental responsibility:
- 100,000 sqm Advanced Manufacturing Facility: One of Asia’s largest dedicated synthetic leather production campuses, enabling high-volume output (exceeding 50 million meters annually) while maintaining agility for customized B2B orders. Fully integrated processes span from polymer formulation to finishing.
- Dedicated R&D Innovation Hub: A 120+ member technical team, including material scientists and application engineers, drives continuous improvement. We invest 5% of annual revenue into R&D, focusing on bio-based polymers (up to 30% recycled content), waterless dyeing, and performance enhancements for automotive, furniture, and fashion sectors.
- Eco-Compliant Production: ISO 14001-certified operations minimize environmental impact through closed-loop water systems, solar energy integration (30% facility power), and VOC-free coating technologies.
Uncompromising Quality Control
WINIW implements a multi-stage QC protocol exceeding international standards, critical for serving regulated markets:
| Stage | Process | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Material | Polymer batch validation | Purity, consistency, eco-certification |
| In-Process | Real-time thickness/color checks | Tolerance control (±0.05mm) |
| Pre-shipment | Full-performance testing | Abrasion (Martindale >50,000 cycles), colorfastness (ISO 105), physical properties |
| Final Audit | Third-party lab verification | REACH SVHC, Prop 65, OEKO-TEX® compliance |
Global Market Readiness
WINIW delivers certified, market-specific solutions to 80+ countries, with deep expertise in high-barrier regions:
- Europe: Full compliance with REACH, EU Ecolabel, and German Blue Angel standards. Dedicated logistics hubs in Rotterdam ensure <15-day delivery to EU customers.
- USA: Prop 65, CPSIA, and TB-117-2013 certified materials. FDA-compliant options available for healthcare applications.
- Sustainability Assurance: All products carry LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) reports. Partners receive digital traceability passports via our blockchain-enabled supply chain platform.
WINIW empowers B2B partners with more than material supply—we provide technical co-engineering, rapid prototyping, and regulatory navigation to accelerate time-to-market. Our facility scale, scientific rigor, and eco-conscious manufacturing deliver the consistency and innovation global brands require. Partner with WINIW for synthetic leather solutions where performance, sustainability, and reliability converge.
Contact Us for Samples
B2B Product Guide: Understanding PU Leather Material
PU leather, also known as polyurethane leather, is a high-performance synthetic leather alternative engineered for durability, flexibility, and sustainability. Widely used across industries such as furniture, automotive, footwear, and fashion accessories, PU leather offers a cost-effective and eco-conscious solution without compromising on aesthetics or functionality.
Developed to mimic the texture and appearance of genuine leather, PU leather is manufactured by applying a polyurethane coating to a base fabric—typically a non-woven or knit textile. This process allows for consistent quality, customizable finishes, and improved resource efficiency compared to animal hide production.
- PU leather is 100% animal-free, making it a preferred choice for brands pursuing cruelty-free and sustainable product lines.
- It offers excellent resistance to abrasion, fading, and environmental factors, ensuring longevity in both indoor and semi-exposed applications.
- The material is highly customizable in terms of color, texture, thickness, and performance features such as water resistance and breathability.
- Production of PU leather generates lower carbon emissions and reduces reliance on natural resources, aligning with global ESG goals.
At WINIW, we specialize in advanced microfiber PU leather solutions designed for demanding commercial applications. Our proprietary formulations enhance tensile strength, softness, and drapability, meeting or exceeding industry standards for premium synthetic leather.
Key Specifications of WINIW PU Leather (Typical Values):
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Thickness Range | 0.6 mm – 2.0 mm |
| Weight | 200 – 400 g/m² |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 25 N/5cm |
| Elongation at Break | ≥ 80% |
| Color Fastness (Rubbing) | Dry: 4–5 |
| 环保标准 | REACH, RoHS, OEKO-TEX® compliant |
All WINIW PU leather products are produced in ISO-certified facilities with a focus on clean manufacturing and traceable supply chains.
For detailed technical data sheets or to request free samples for evaluation, contact our materials team at MKT88@MicrofiberLeather.com.
What is PU leather material?
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