PU Leather and Genuine Leather
Leather is a flexible material often extracted from animal skin, hides, or synthetics. The unique characteristics of leather signal the flexibility, strength, malleability, softness, and natural pattern on its surface. When differentiating PU leather and Genuine leather, they differ, especially in the material they are made of. PU leather is a mimic of real leather and is synthetic in nature. It is chemically made leather processed from Polymer known as Polyurethane
PU leather is smoothly made artificial leather, more like belonging to the plastic group. On the other hand, genuine leather is real leather having imperfections in features and forms a patterned look. Comparatively, PU leather does not absorb water while Genuine Leather does. PU leather is more polished, smooth, and soft in nature. In this article, we will discuss a brief overview of leather types and, accordingly, analyze the difference between Genuine and PU leather.
What are the Distinct features of Genuine vs. PU Leather?
Regarding distinction, it is pivotal for us to understand the characteristics of the leather before making an informed decision to purchase it. Comparing them based on certain criteria, quality, durability, water resistance, affordability, features, sustainability, and alternative options would allow you to have a broader picture of choosing the right leather for you. Based on the distinct features of aesthetics and surface pattern, you can identify PU leather and genuine leather.
PU Leather
PU leather is a synthetic material that mimics real leather and is almost perfect in comparison. But it does have some smell, plastic, and chemical look that feels different from genuine leather. As per stats, PU leather is not as breathable as real leather and can easily get cracked. The lightweight leather is resistant to stains and can be cleaned easily, unlike real leather. If you are a Vegan and want to purchase Vegan leather, PU leather is something you can get hold of.
Genuine Leather
Genuine leather is a real leather that is traditionally in practice and in demand for its high value and extraction from animal hides and skin. They are comparatively more subtle, full-grain, and have fibrous edges with natural imperfections.
Quality and Durability Comparison of PU Leather and Genuine Leather
You seem eager to know which one of these leathers is more durable and has quality. In case of longevity and durability, PU leather easily wears and tears over time, as it is made up of synthetic material. The wear resistance of PU leather is rather limited than that of Genuine leather.
The real leather is extracted from animal hides and skin, and their source is animal husbandry. Their skin has age-enhanced longevity and durability to offer. As per the stats, the life span of PU leather depends, they are not as long-lasting as compared to Genuine leather. The crack and tearable nature of PU leather can reduce its lifespan while it is also heavily impacted by environmental factors. Their estimated age is usually around 3 to 5 years. However, it also depends on the maintenance and care you offer to the leather.
Price Points and Affordability: PU vs. Genuine Leather
The versatile form and molding of leather have made it more popular for timeless fashion and luxury, but do you prefer to have an affordable choice of fashion or purchase an investment piece?
Though PU leather is a more smooth and budget-friendly option, in case you want to invest in leather, it will be a good choice to swap for Real leather to use it in the long run. This full-grain leather has a natural oil that makes it more durable and highly demanding in the market. As genuine leather ages beautifully over time and is suitable for people from any age group, you can make an investment.
If you are wondering, what are the factors affecting the pricing of leather? It generally is because the genuine leather goes through a series of processes before it is finally put on sale or consumption. The raw material, processing, tanning, and labor costs, alongside the demand and competition in the market, make leather more costly in comparison and are classified as a product of high value.
PU Vs Genuine Leather: Synthetic Production Vs Animal Agriculture
PU leather comes from synthetic production and one of the main concerns with this petrochemical product if it is sustainable and environmentally friendly. In differentiation to other plastics, PU leather are more eco-friendly plastic that has less emission of Carbon dioxide. Also, it has drastically reduced the consumption of animal skin in the name of fashion. Genuine leather extracted from Animal agriculture is long-lasting and has significantly less risk to the environment. It may not be that sustainable, but is eco-friendly compared to PU leather.
Is PU leather an Eco-friendly Alternative?
PU leather is made up of polyurethane, and it is categorized as sustainable and eco-friendly in nature compared to other plastics. Also, artificially made leather is more feasible as it reduces the exploitation of animals for extracting their skins and hides. The synthetic mimic of leather also has the potential of being recycled, but it is not an eco-friendly option, as faux leather(PU products) are spreading the usage of plastics, in one form or the other.
Generally, PU leather can be recycled back in two major forms, either mechanically or chemically. PU leather, in chemical recycling, can be broken back into the initial chemical components. In the Mechanical recycling procedure, PU leather is reused in its polymer form. They are rather non-biodegradable and the process of recycling Polyurethane material could be rather challenging.
How can you ensure ethical and responsible sourcing of leather?
Leather Working Group (LWG) ensures ethical and responsible sourcing of leather. The leather which are LWG certified is more likely to have access to the leather-producing and ethical tanning method. Here are other key points to consider to ensure ethical sourcing of leather, they are:
- You can make leather purchases from brands that transparently mention their leather sourcing and production process.
- Choosing the suppliers that ensure animal welfare and use of by-products would contribute to making the right choice.
- You can also opt for alternative materials like PU leather instead of those made of animal skin. These days, apple leather, mushroom leather, and other sustainable alternatives are also in trend.
- Avoiding the use of exotic leather would protect the interest of endangered species and wildlife.
- Advocating for the change in the leather extraction industry and swapping for the Vegan option is more likely a bold move.
- You can also learn and research more about the challenges and ethical practices in the leather industry and its supply chain.
What are the Common Uses of Leather?
Leather has been quite in use back from the Stone Age for shelter, clothing, and shoes around 5000 BC. As per the history, leather shoes were popularly discovered in Armenia, and it was around 3500 BC. Leather has been a part of daily life use in civilized society, with a wide range of usages. The leather fabrics are not only used in fashion, but also in furnishing, paintings, book covers, toys, and decoration purposes.
As the research suggests, cowhides are among the common choices for making leather shoes. Exotic leathers from crocodile and ostrich skin are also popular and in trend in making fashionable leather products. The consumption of leather is primarily seen in apparel, boots, belts, luggage, wallets, jackets, and other upholstery products. Apart from this, the usage of leather is prominent in making industrial items like buffing wheels, automobile interiors, and machine belts.
Making the Right Choice of Leather
Considering your budget and evaluating the desired preferences and your priorities can aid in making an informed choice on what type of leather you prefer. PU leather or Genuine leather which ticks for the list? Or are you researching other sustainable leather innovative options? The key factors and identification of ideal choices of leather depend. What do you prefer in leather? Durability, appearances, heat insulation, aesthetics, water-resistant and ethics, what are your major concerns?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the key differences here arise on what you look for in the leather of daily use. Referring to your personal preference, and lifestyle, and making informed choices on investing or purchasing a budget-friendly option is crucial. The decision to purchase genuine or PU leather solely depends on your budget, intended use, and preferences, based on their distinct features. PU leather could be a decent option for Vegan consumers. Do share your experience with your leather purchasing.
