Water-based PU leather is an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based leather. It is a three-layer synthetic leather, consisting of the surface layer, tack coat, and base fabric. The base fabric is made of polyurethane resin, a water-soluble acrylic material. Waterborne PU leather is characterized by low maintenance, high elasticity, and low cost.

Compared to cows' leather, water-based PU leather is more environmentally friendly and more sustainable. However, the manufacturing process still involves chemicals. When the leather is new, it has a strong smell. This smell dissipates after a day or two. It also lacks the breathability that leather provides, which makes it unsuitable for clothing. If you're a fashionista who's looking for a more sustainable leather alternative, look for a water-based version.

PU leather is widely used in the fashion and furniture industries. Traditionally, this type of synthetic leather is made using DMF, a toxic solvent. During this process, large amounts of waste water are released into nature and can be harmful to human health. But with waterborne PU leather, there is no need for such pollution-ridden synthetic leather. The waterborne resin-based method produces eco-friendly leather with superior performance.

Water-based PU leather is the latest replacement for traditional solvent-based synthetic leather. It is made with water-based polyurethane instead of organic solvents, and is as durable as oil-based leather without the harmful effects of solvents. Unlike oil-based PU leather, water-based PU leather has zero volatile organic compounds. The water-based process is also more environmentally friendly and doesn't create any pollution or waste gases. This means it is much easier to produce.

While PU leather can be used to make furniture, it is not as durable as genuine leather. It can become worn or damaged over time, and it can crack. Unlike genuine leather, it can also become warped and crack when sticky areas are touched. It is best to clean PU leather with a dry lint-free cloth.

PU leather has the same feel as leather but is much lighter. However, it's more flexible and pliable than animal leather. It can also resist sunlight. Therefore, it's often used to cover car seats and couches. In addition, it is a more sustainable alternative to synthetic leather.

Unlike genuine leather, PU leather is vegan. It contains no animal products and is produced from a thermoplastic polymer. Moreover, it does not dry out or smell like real leather. It can also puncture easily. In addition, unlike leather, PU leather also lacks the natural patina of real leather. Some PU leather is made from leftover genuine leather, which makes it more environmentally friendly. It is also easier to manufacture than genuine leather.

Another major difference between animal and synthetic leather is that synthetic leather is made on a roll. This allows producers to maximize their material without wasting it. As a result, there is less waste, which is an environmental benefit. Moreover, animal leather produces waste because of its shape. For that reason, producers are conscious of not using skin with imperfections. For example, animals can get scars or stretch marks from rubbing fences.

While water-based PU leather is environmentally friendly, the use of DMF is not a healthy option for everyone. DMF is known to cause birth defects and cancer, so many chemists are looking for other alternatives. One such technology involves the production of polyurethane particles in water. Bayer is one of the first companies to use this technology in the production of synthetic leather.
Color TC bottom water-based artificial leather