What is PU Leather and Genuine Leather? Which is better?

There are different types of products known as “leather,” but do you know the difference between PU (polyurethane) leather and natural leather? Let's take a look at the two different forms of leather.

Characteristics of Polyurethane Leather or PU Leather

PU leather is a leather-like polymer substance made from polyurethane, a type of plastic created to look and feel like leather without the use of animal hide.
There are several types of artificial leather, such as PU leather and PVC leather. Some forms of imitation leather are even made from substances like oak and seaweed.

The most common way to create PU leather is to use the plastic polyurethane coating and apply it to a base made of fiber (usually polyester) . PU leather can be combined with genuine leather in a form called bi-fused leather. Bi-fused leather may use a split leather base that is then covered with a PVC or PU layer.

He Polyurethane leather generally has the same texture as animal skin (genuine leather), However, in most cases, it's a bit thinner than the other leather; it's also not as durable as genuine leather and tends to tear more easily. PU leather doesn't crack or fade when exposed to sunlight, as some genuine leathers can do. Because of this, PU leather is often used to upholster car and home seats.

PU leather can also be produced in a wider variety of textures, colors, and thicknesses than genuine leather. It can even be easily given a glossy finish. In terms of maintenance, PU leather rarely requires much attention; a simple wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

This material may have some environmental benefits over genuine leather, as it doesn't require animals to be manufactured. It also doesn't require chemical tanning, a process that uses certain chemicals, such as chromium and ammonia, and can lead to environmental pollution.

Unlike genuine leather, PU leather isn't as breathable. However, it is more breathable than other types of synthetic leather, such as PVC. While genuine leather tends to become more attractive and softer over time, this isn't the case with PU leather, which will maintain a consistent look and feel throughout its life. Finally, PU leather tends to be substantially cheaper than genuine leather.

You can usually distinguish PU leather from genuine leather by comparing prices, as items made from this type of leather tend to be cheaper. If this isn't enough evidence, you can check the label to see if the leather type is specified. A close look at the item can also reveal whether the leather is genuine or faux, as the pores of animal hide are only present in genuine leather. Finally, try smelling the leather item; if it smells like plastic, it's probably PU.

Characteristics of Natural or Genuine Leather

Genuine leather is made from the skin of animals, often cows. (cowhide) , which must be tanned to prevent decomposition and become usable leather. This is done in a tannery. There are several types of tanning processes, with chrome tanning and vegetable tanning being the most popular.

Chrome tanning is generally considered the most efficient process and uses the chemical chromium sulfate to make leather more durable.

This product is used in a wide variety of items, from clothing to books and furniture. Genuine leather can last a long time and generally gains a pleasing patina as it ages. With proper care, an accessory made of this material can last between 10 and 20 years. Genuine leather is difficult to tear or puncture, and it's also much more breathable than most artificial leathers, which can begin to crack and warp in just a few years.

Unlike synthetic leather, some genuine leathers have hypoallergenic characteristics, meaning they repel certain allergens.

Leather maintenance is a little more complicated than PU leather. It can be cleaned with soap or water using a damp cloth, but if it gets stained with oil or sweat, you'll need a special leather cleaner. Genuine leather may need a leather conditioner applied occasionally to keep it supple, otherwise it will become stiff or brittle. This is because the natural oils in the leather dry out over time.

In terms of how eco-friendly genuine leather is, there are several things to consider. Genuine leather is more biodegradable than faux leather, but as we mentioned, the most common process of tanning genuine leather involves many chemicals that can be highly polluting. On the other hand, since genuine leather lasts longer than faux leather, less waste may be produced as a byproduct.

Pros and Cons of Polyurethane (PU) Leather:

Pros:

PU leather is much cheaper than genuine leather.
PU leather can be produced in a wide variety of colors and styles.
PU leather is easy to clean and maintain with just a damp cloth.
PU leather is UV resistant, so it doesn't fade easily.
PU leather does not dry out over time like genuine leather.
PU leather does not require animals to make.

Cons:

PU leather is not very breathable compared to genuine leather.
PU leather does not develop the patina or shine of genuine leather over time.
PU leather does not have the hypoallergenic traits that genuine leather does.
PU leather can puncture or tear over time more easily than genuine leather.
PU leather does not last as long as genuine leather.

Pros and Cons of Genuine Leather: