As interest in sustainable materials continues to rise, faux leather presents itself as a viable alternative to animal-derived leather. However, eco-friendly faux leather depends not only on the end product but also on the methods and materials used during production.
This article breaks down the key stages of manufacturing eco-friendly faux leather, from the selection of base fabrics and polymers to the finishing processes, offering insight into what makes this material both functional and environmentally conscious.
How is Eco-Friendly Faux Leather Made?
Faux leather, also known by various names like synthetic leather, imitation leather, vegan leather, PU leather, or pleather, is a man-made material designed to mimic the appearance and feel of genuine leather without using animal products.
The primary materials used in faux leather production are typically polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), both of which are plastics derived from fossil fuels.
1. Obtaining the Base Fabric (Substrate)
The production of faux leather begins with obtaining a base fabric, or substrate. This is usually a woven or knitted textile made from polyester, cotton, nylon, rayon, or a blend of these materials.
The base fabric plays a crucial role in providing strength, flexibility, and structural integrity to the finished product.
2. Formulating the Plastic Coating
Next comes the formulation of the plastic coating.
PU is commonly used for its soft, flexible, and breathable characteristics, making it ideal for clothing and interior applications. To enhance its performance, various additives are included during the formulation process.
PVC, on the other hand, is more rigid and durable, often chosen for products requiring water resistance and toughness, such as outdoor gear and furniture. Plasticizers are added to PVC to improve its flexibility.
3. Applying the Polymer Coating
Once the coating is prepared, it is applied to the textile base using techniques such as coating (spreading or spraying), lamination, or more advanced methods like wet or dry coagulation.
The wet coagulation process involves soaking the fabric in a PU solution dissolved in a volatile organic solvent. This solution is then set in water, causing the PU to solidify into a porous, flexible structure.
The dry process follows a similar approach, but instead of coagulating in water, the material is dried directly. Another widely used method is the release paper technique, where the polymer is spread onto an embossed release paper.
The fabric is bonded to this partially cured layer, and once fully set, the paper is removed, leaving behind a realistic leather-like texture.
4. Texturing and Embossing
To complete the look, the faux leather is textured and embossed to replicate the natural grain, pores, and surface details of genuine leather.
This is achieved through mechanical embossing or via the release paper method, which transfers texture during the curing process.
5. Colouring and Finishing
Colouring and finishing treatments are then applied. These include dyes or pigments to achieve specific colours, as well as protective topcoats that enhance the material’s resistance to water, stains, UV rays, and scratches.
Some finishes also add a particular sheen or softness to the final product.
6. Drying and Curing
Afterward, the material is dried and cured. This stage removes any remaining moisture and solidifies the polymer layers, ensuring they bond securely to the textile base.
Curing also enhances the faux leather’s durability, making it more resistant to everyday wear and tear.
7. Quality Control and Inspection
Throughout the entire process, quality control measures are in place to ensure the material meets standards for strength, appearance, and consistency.
These inspections verify everything from tensile strength and surface texture to colour accuracy, ensuring that eco-friendly faux leather not only looks good but performs well in a variety of applications.
Read more: 6 Best Eco-Friendly Vegan Leather Options for You
How To Identify Eco-Friendly Faux Leather?
As demand for sustainable alternatives to animal leather grows, so does the availability of faux leather products that claim to be eco-friendly. However, not all vegan or synthetic leather is created equally.
To make an informed, environmentally conscious purchase, it’s important to look beyond marketing terms and examine the certifications that back up these claims. Here’s how to identify eco-friendly faux leather:
1. Start with PETA-Approved Vegan Certification
One of the most recognisable labels is “PETA-Approved Vegan,” which ensures that the product is completely animal-free.
This includes not only the finished material but also the ingredients and formulations used during production.
While this certification is essential for those prioritising animal welfare, it does not necessarily guarantee that the material was produced using environmentally sustainable methods.
For that reason, it’s best to pair this label with others that address broader sustainability issues.
2. Check for OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD
To ensure that a product is safe for human use and produced with minimal harmful chemicals, look for the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD.
This certification verifies that the faux leather has been tested for substances known to be harmful to health and the environment.
It’s a reliable indicator that the material meets strict ecological and human safety standards throughout its production cycle.
3. Look for Additional Eco-Certifications
Other valuable certifications to consider include Blue Angel, the IVN (International Association of Natural Textiles), and labels from the Institute of Quality Certification for the Leather Sector (ICEC).
These certifications evaluate a wide range of environmental and social factors, such as energy use, emissions, waste management, and fair labour practices.
Products that carry one or more of these certifications are more likely to be genuinely sustainable from start to finish.
4. Verify Recycled Content with the Global Recycled Standard
If a product claims to include recycled materials, the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is the certification to look for.
GRS verifies not only the amount of recycled content but also the responsible and transparent production processes used to incorporate it.
This certification supports the movement toward a circular economy by encouraging the reuse of existing materials and reducing overall waste.
Read more: Real vs Faux vs Vegan Leather Fabric: How are They Different
Style, Strength, Sustainability: Kintex Delivers It All
Choosing the right eco-friendly faux leather doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with asking the right questions—about materials, certifications, and the company’s sustainability efforts.
A brand’s commitment to ethics and transparency says a lot about what you’re really buying. At Kintex, we’re all about helping you find the perfect PU or PVC leather to suit your needs.
As a trusted PU and PVC leather supplier, we offer a wide range of textures, colours, and finishes (all in one place) to suit diverse design and functional needs.
And because we care about the planet too, we’re always exploring greener alternatives and better ways to manufacture.
With sustainability as a core value, partnering with Kintex means aligning your brand with performance, quality, and environmental integrity.
