PU means polyurethane, while PVC means polyvinyl chloride. Both provide a leather-like surface without natural leather but differ in construction and feel.
PU leather is usually supple and flexible. It is good for products that need to be bent a lot. It is nice to touch. PVC leather is very popular due to the easy cleaning, waterproof, and heavy use. It has a more solid feel.
Here are some practical points to consider:
PU leather works well for products where flexibility matters. Shoes, handbags and garments move and bend during everyday use, so a softer material can be useful.
The Footwear Industry uses artificial leather for casual shoes, loafers, slippers, sandals, sports shoes and other footwear. Different grains and finishes give manufacturers more choice when matching the material with a particular shoe design.
PU is also used in Leather Goods & Garments such as handbags, wallets, belts, jackets, clutches and fashion accessories. Colour, surface feel and grain can be selected according to the look of the finished product.
PVC leather is a familiar choice for seating and upholstery. Its surface is easy to wipe, making it useful for furniture that sees regular use.
The Furnishing Industry uses synthetic leather for sofas, chairs, recliners, bean bags, office seating and wall panels. Homes, offices, restaurants and other commercial spaces may have different requirements, so material thickness and finish should always match the intended use.
When selecting artificial leather for furniture, check:
Knitwell Industries provides PVC-coated fabrics in different designs and textures for furnishing and other applications.
Vehicle interiors need materials that can cope with daily contact, dust, cleaning and repeated use. This makes synthetic leather a common material for different interior and seating applications.
In the Automotive Industry, artificial leather may be used for car seat covers, door panels, two-wheeler seats, tank covers, floor applications and interior trim.
The required material can vary from one vehicle application to another. Seat upholstery, for example, may need a different thickness and backing compared with door panels. Buyers should therefore check the actual product specification instead of choosing only by colour or appearance.
Surface design can completely change the look of artificial leather. Manufacturers can create plain grains, deeper textures, decorative prints and other finishes for different products.
Embossed and Printed Leather is used for bags, furniture, accessories, footwear, folders and decorative applications. Embossing gives a raised or pressed texture to the surface, whereas printing adds patterns and visual details.
Common options are leather grain, matte surfaces, glossy finishes, printed patterns and textured designs. These options mean manufacturers can match the material to their range of products, without relying on one standard finish.
There is no one answer for every product. The better option depends on what you plan to make and how the finished item will be used.
Choose PU when you want:
Choose PVC when you want:
Before ordering large quantities, check a material sample. Feel the surface, bend it and compare its thickness, backing and texture. This simple check can help you find a material that fits the actual product.
Artificial leather now covers far more than basic black or brown surfaces. Buyers can choose from different grains, colours, patterns and textures for furniture, vehicles, footwear and fashion products.
Knitwell Industries serves different application areas through Automotive Industry, Footwear Industry, Furnishing Industry, Leather Goods & Garments, Embossed and Printed Leather, and New Products and Textures ranges.
These categories also give readers useful internal links when they want to move from general information about PU and PVC leather to a particular application.
PU leather is generally softer and more flexible, while PVC leather usually has a firmer surface and is easy to clean.
Yes. Its flexibility makes PU leather a common choice for shoes, sandals and other footwear.
Yes. PVC leather is commonly used for sofas, chairs, recliners and commercial seating.
Yes. It is used for car seats, door panels, two-wheeler seats and several interior applications.
Yes. Artificial leather comes in many grains, printed patterns, embossed textures and surface finishes.