Polyurethane

Synthetic

Polymer coating

A synthetic polymer used as a coating, laminate, or leather alternative. Often labelled as PU — provides water resistance, flexibility, and a leather-like appearance at lower cost.

Origin & Production

Produced by reacting diisocyanates with polyols. Applied as a coating on fabric substrates (cotton, polyester) or formed into sheets. Used extensively in vegan leather products. Major producers are in China, South Korea, and Italy.

Key Properties

Flexible & lightweight
Water-resistant
Leather-like appearance
Available in many colours & textures
Less durable than real leather — prone to peeling over time

Common Uses

Vegan leather productsCoated jackets & outerwearBags & accessoriesShoe uppers

Sustainability

Petroleum-derived and not biodegradable. PU production uses toxic solvents (DMF), though solvent-free and water-based PU alternatives are emerging. Often marketed as 'vegan leather' but environmental credentials vary widely.

Care Instructions

Washing

Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Avoid machine washing — it can cause peeling.

Drying

Air dry at room temperature. Never use heat.

Ironing

Never iron PU directly — heat causes permanent damage.

Tips

Avoid folding tightly — PU can crack at creases over time
Keep away from sharp objects that can puncture the coating
Condition occasionally with PU-specific products to maintain suppleness
PU has a limited lifespan (3-5 years) compared to real leather

See how brands use Polyurethane

Inside the dashboard, track polyurethane adoption across brands, view season-over-season trends, and benchmark against competitors.

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Quick facts

Classification: Synthetic
Sub-type: Polymer coating
Key property: Flexible & lightweight
Primary use: Vegan leather products