How to distinguish between PVC and PU leather???
Ⅰ，What is the PVC leather ?
PVC leather, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is an original type of imitation leather that is produced by substituting the hydrogen group with a chloride group in the vinyl groups.
The result of this replacement is then blended with some other chemicals to create a durable plastic that is also easy to maintain.
PVC resin is used as the raw material to produce PVC artificial leather while non-woven fabrics and PU resin is used as the raw material to produce PU leather, also known as the synthetic leather.
Polyvinyl chloride was the first type of fake leather to be created in 1920s, and it was the type of material that manufacturers of those years needed because it was stronger and more resistant to the weather elements than the materials they were using then.
Because of these properties, many people started using PVC instead of metal even though it was criticized as being “too sticky” and “feeling artificial” in hot temperatures. This led to the invention of another type of artificial leather, which had pores in 1970s. These alterations made fake leather an alternative to traditional fabrics because it was easy to clean, not absorbent and provided a stain-resistant couch covering.
In addition, even today it fades at a slower rate even after a long exposure to sunlight than the traditional upholstery.
Ⅱ, Parameter of PVC leather
1) Material : synthetic leather
2) Color : as your demand
3) Thickness: 0.45mm to 3.0mm
4) Backing material : knitted, nowoven, woven, or by customer's requirements
5) Patten: Crumpled, Embossed, Finished, Flocked, Foiled, Printed, Washed ,Lichee
6) Place of Origin : Haining ,China
7) Features : Elastic strength, non-fading to rubbing ,waterproof, elastic ,anti-mildew, abrasion-resistant
8) Brand : DERFLEX
9) Application : suitable for shoes, bag and sofa, funiture series, handbag, artware decorative, and so on
10) MOQ : 2000 meters per color
11) Production capacity: 10000 meters per week
Ⅲ、What is the PU leather ?
PU leather is the abbreviation of polyurethane leather. Polyurethane is a widely used in the construction and engineering industry. It is an ultra durable, flexible and long lasting polymere.
They are used for coating roofs, industrial floors and the inside of tunnels for example. It is an artificial man made chemical mix that mainly got popular for the wide variety of used and durability.
Now it is used for making leather as well and is has been successfully established over the past couple of years. Pu leather leather is basically an artificial man made leather alternative.
The definition is not 100% set which might lead to confusion because there are two kinds of leathers which are often referred to as pu leather:
100% PU Leather
Split Leather (Leather coated with PU Leather)
This might lead to confusion and brings us the next point regarding the question if pu leather is vegan.
Water Test for PU leather
Animal leather is not water resistant. It absorbs it and gets quite wet. Ⅳon the other hand is very water resistent and does not absorb it at all. This adds to the durability of it.
Ⅳ, PU Leather Durability
In terms of durability, genuine leather gets better with age, often softening and developing small imperfections that give the item character. PU leather often looks “too perfect”, because it has been made with a patterned grain, rather than the unpredictable beauty of nature itself.
Speaking of nature, real leather can be exposed to extreme weather conditions without any risk of damage, but the same thing is not true for synthetic varieties. Pu leather will begin to break down over time, both from exposure to the elements and use, showing cracks and signs of wear within a few years. Pu leather is also prone to rips and splits, which can reveal the padding of the couch or car seat below, and looks terrible when repaired.
When it comes to comfort, real leather is breathable, because it isn’t coated in a non-porous polymer, so it won’t “sweat” in changing temperatures. It is also more malleable, and can be stretched and bent without fear of damage, unlike PU leather, which is susceptible to punctures and tears. The deep and intoxicating aroma of real leather is also very difficult to mimic. When you first start using a PU leather item, the chemical smell will be unmistakeable and quite pungent. While this may fade over time, the material will never have that authentic aroma of real leather.
Most of the comparisons between PU leather and genuine leather swing in the latter’s favor, except when it comes to cost and cleanliness. As those who own real leather know, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to clean leather effectively, whereas PU leather can be cleaned in a number of less intensive ways. Secondly, the cost of PU leather is often a fraction of genuine leather, so if you’re trying to shop for luxury on a budget, this synthetic option might be for you. Purchasing small PU leather items that you don’t mind replacing every few years is understandable, though experts would always recommend going for the genuine article for big-ticket items (e.g., jackets, furniture, vehicle interiors).
Ⅳ,PU Leather vs PVC Leather
PU leather is not the only alternative to original leather. PVC is another type of synthetic leather, which is apparently quite similar to PU leather fabric.
Yet, there are differences that you can spot very easily.
It is made by combining polyvinylchloride with stabilizers, plasticizers, and lubricants.
Hence, it is heavier in weight than PU leather. Also, it is not as breathable as PU leather.
On the flip side, PU leather tends to crack and flake quite easily and quickly. Hence, is not as durable as PVC.
Research shows that in humid weather, PVC makes a better option.
Ⅴ, How to distinguish between PVC and PU leather???
Looking at the label easily shows you whether you’ve found a PU leather product.
There are other ways to differentiate them as well. You should know these differences in general when you are switching to vegan-friendly products.
Most of leather products have a label on them explaining which kind of leather or which materials are used. In case of uncertainty there are a lot of factors that actually differentiate both. You can tell that quite easily right away just by looking at them. Here are some of the most obvious factors when it comes to telling the difference between genuine leather and pu leather.
The Smell
If it is brand new the smell tells it all. Genuine Leather has a very unique and leathery smell to it. Pu leather smells very synthetic like plastic. So just by smelling it you can tell the difference within just a. couple of seconds. If it is used or older that can be quite tricky though since the smells goes away quite quickly.
The Texture
Usually real leather, especially when older, feels slightly softer and smoother compared to pu leather. It might look very similiar but by feeling it or taking a closer look you can tell the difference. A typical side to side comparison makes it quite obvious. But from the distance it is almost impossible to tell the difference and can easily be taken for genuine leather.
The Color: Real leather naturally comes in very specific colors like black, brown, and white. Though it can be colored, the variations are limited. PU leather, on the other hand, can be easily dyed. You can find it in almost any color imaginable.
The Price: Leather products are always luxury items and the prices are very high. PU leather is mass-produced from polymer and therefore, is much cheaper.
So after listening to my product analysis, you now know how to differentiateSo after listening to my product analysis, you now know How to distinguish between PVC and PU leather???
Ⅶ, DERFLEX is a professional Super Clear PVC Film Transparent PVC Tarpaulin Manufacturers & Suppliers from China for 16years.
Shanghai DER New Material Co., Ltd is professional manufacturer of PVC coated tarpaulin, experience over 18 years.
2 knife coating production line, 4 calenders, 8 lamination machine, we make both laminated and coated PVC tarpaulin material for various applications.
As an PVC material experienced company, DER has expanded the marketing to all over the world by attending different kinds of exhibitions, like IFAI, SGIA, Techtextil and China Sign and so on.
Now we have many customers from UK, Russia europe countries, North America countries, like United States, Canada, South America, like Mexico, Agentina, Span, Africa, such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and other countries in the world.
If you have more interest, please contact us freely, Email :Masha@derflex.com , WhatsApp: +86 131 6285 8753