Eco-leather: what kind of material is it, pros and cons, differences from genuine leather

What is the difference between eco-leather and leatherette

It should be noted right away that traditional leatherette and eco-leather are completely different materials in composition. Faux leather or vinyl artificial leather is a fairly thick layer of PVC base. It is known that, due to its physical properties, polyvinyl chloride has hardness and high density. To soften bags, shoes and clothes that are made from such material, special technologies are used, that is, plasticizer additives are added to the material, the percentage of which can be up to 60%, and sometimes more. In turn, eco-leather has no more than 20% base, which, as already mentioned, itself is much more soft, ductile and elastic. Let us add that polyurethane itself does not require the addition of plasticizers, since all performance qualities are already inherent in the structure of the polymer itself.

It is for this reason that school bags and children's backpacks made of eco-leather do not crack even after prolonged wear, which cannot be said about similar models made of ordinary leatherette.

Eco-leather - what is it?

For the first time, a material based on a polyurethane layer was synthesized in 1963 in the USA, and a year later in Japan. Its name eco-leather is due to the fact that, unlike leather substitutes based on polyvinyl chloride films, the synthesis of polyurethane does not require the use of plasticizers, which, firstly, pollute production, and secondly, evaporate from the surface layer during operation. At the same time, the production of polyurethane layers is carried out using twisted equipment and is complex, and therefore this material has a higher price.

The structure of eco-leather is two-layer. A polyurethane foam layer is applied to the cotton base, in which micropores are located . Thanks to them, eco-leather has “breathable” properties that are three times higher than the breathability of natural leather. In addition, it is very easy to give such a polymer film various textures and decorate its surface. Different types of eco-leather may have different thicknesses, but the thinner the polymer film, the softer and more flexible the leather-imitating material is. The main characteristics of this modern leatherette substitute are as follows:

• resistance to tearing and abrasion;
• elasticity and lack of cracking;
• ease of cutting and sewing;
• frost resistance (up to – 100 degrees);
• hypoallergenic;
• absence of odor, wetting and characteristic creaking;
• breathability;
• comfort and hygiene of the lower layer in contact with the skin;
• resistance to UV rays;
• the ability to produce leatherette of any colors and textures, as well as in the form of rolls of fabric or shaped parts;
• affordability;
• ease of care;
• conservation of wildlife.

Advantages of bags and backpacks made of eco-leather

The advantages listed above quickly made eco-leather one of the leaders in the industry of materials for the manufacture of haberdashery and footwear. Here are just a few of the benefits of children's backpacks and school bags from Grizzly and other brands made from this material.

• Complete absence of harmful additives - children's accessories made from eco-leather are hypoallergenic and absolutely safe for humans and the environment.
• Without exaggeration, unique wear resistance. The cotton or polyester based material does not wear out even with daily use for several years.
• Externally, eco-leather almost completely imitates genuine leather (including, such bags and backpacks have the texture of genuine leather).
• In terms of properties such as thermal conductivity, eco-leather is closest to natural wood. That is why the material is increasingly used for sewing shoes and outerwear.
• Unlike many other natural and synthetic materials, eco-leather is practically not exposed to direct ultraviolet rays.
• Another undoubted advantage is the decorative properties and the ability to paint the material in almost any color. Of course, with genuine leather such possibilities are very limited.
• The most important property of eco-leather products is the ability to easily withstand severe frosts (down to -30 degrees and below). At the same time, such bags do not crack, as usually happens in the cold with haberdashery made from traditional hard and even more or less soft leatherette.

You can also mention that products made from this material do not require special care (an eco-leather bag is easy to clean with ordinary water or soap solution). It should be borne in mind that cuts and tears on the surface of eco-leather are practically impossible to repair with the help of special “leather” glue and impregnations - perhaps this is the only significant disadvantage of the material.

Advantages and disadvantages

The production of eco-leather does not require large expenses for raising animals - the fabric itself and the chemical component are needed.

Other advantages include:

Strength and wear resistance; Hypoallergenic; Elasticity; The ability to choose any color and texture of the canvas, but more often the pattern copies natural leather;

Keeps its shape well, does not stretch; Does not require delicate care; Hygroscopic backing material: moisture does not retain on it, so a person will not sweat; Good breathability; Resistant to low temperatures, does not harden in the cold; The ability to choose the required size of the canvas, which is unrealistic with genuine leather; Humanity, cost-effective production and environmentally friendly material; The quality is slightly inferior to natural leather and at the same time low cost; No unpleasant odors.

Proper care of eco-leather shoes

Despite the fact that shoes made from eco-leather are highly wear-resistant, they must be cared for correctly, and most importantly, regularly. With proper care, the product will last a long time without losing its original appearance. Taking care of shoes made from eco-friendly material is easy if you follow the recommendations of experts:

• dirt is removed with a soft damp cloth or piece of cloth;
• It is allowed to use stain removers for natural leather;
• the wet surface is wiped dry and left until completely dry;
• treat shoes with special impregnations and creams.

In addition to the rules for caring for shoes made of eco-leather, there are some contraindications:

• the material does not tolerate excessive moisture;
• Do not treat the surface with abrasive and bleaching compounds;
• drying is performed at room temperature, away from additional heat sources.

Most manufacturers include a note in the shoe box with recommendations on how to properly care for them. By following all the tips, you can extend the life of your favorite shoes or boots for a long time.

Unlike genuine leather, there are storage rules for shoes made from artificial materials. It is not difficult to follow them, but there are many benefits.

1. It is better to pack out-of-season shoes in textile bags or simply wrap them in a piece of fabric.
2. Find a dark, cool place to store it, away from bright light.
3. Place crumpled newspaper in the bow. This will help absorb excess moisture and keep the shoes in proper shape.
4. It is better not to fold boots or boots in half. Having lain in this form for a long time, they can acquire creases and folds.

It is important to know that eco-leather products should never be washed mechanically using dry powders. It is better to use the services of specialists and take it to dry cleaning.

About materials

What is eco leather?

Eco-leather "ARIGON" is a type of artificial leather. Durable, lightweight, environmentally friendly material, cotton based.

Why is eco-leather better than regular leatherette?

Artificial leather is made by applying a film coating to a fabric base. Traditionally, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) was used for this film coating. But PVC has a lot of harmful additives, such as plasticizers - they are introduced to impart elasticity, stabilizers - to impart resistance to external influences, etc.

Eco-leather is made by applying a polyurethane film coating to a fabric base. Unlike PVC, polyurethane is devoid of these additives. Therefore, eco-leather is a hypoallergenic product.

Cotton fabric is used as the basis for the production of eco-leather. It does not experience any mechanical stress or stretching, so eco-leather has a very flexible structure, remarkable softness and elasticity.

Material that “breathes”!

Eco-leather production technology involves the formation of through micropores that penetrate the film. The material, unlike PVC, also “breathes” no worse than ordinary fabrics. Due to its breathability, eco-leather is completely odorless and does not create a “greenhouse effect”; it does not overheat in hot weather, and does not harden in cold weather. It always feels a little warm to the touch. By the way, due to the fact that the material does not contain harmful functional groups, polyurethane does not emit any harmful substances, which distinguishes eco-leather from the same PVC.

Wear resistance of eco leather

Polyurethane belongs to the class of polymers with exceptionally high wear resistance. The abrasion cycle is over 40,000 times! (the simplest example is shoes with polyurethane soles). These remarkable properties are due to the high mobility of the spatial network of polyurethanes and their ability to undergo restructuring under the influence of mechanical influences. Polyurethane is also capable of “self-healing” the external deformed polymer network.

Thanks to its unique physical and chemical properties, eco-leather does not crack, does not stretch, and in general, for all its apparent softness, it is a fairly durable and wear-resistant material. Perhaps this is why eco-leather is often used in furniture production. Presentable appearance with high quality characteristics.

These unique properties of polyurethanes are largely due to the fact that their modern brands contain many so-called “functional groups” identical to natural leather!

Eco-leather - an alternative to genuine leather

Soft, smooth and quite pleasant to the touch, it lends itself perfectly to processing. Unlike genuine leather, it is produced in straight cuts of the correct geometric shape: no elongated edges, “lifetime defects” or other “gifts” of natural leather. Eco-leather was created as an inexpensive material that imitates expensive natural leather. However, the modern level of development of science and technology has made it possible not only to give artificial leather the properties of natural, but also to surpass them in many ways!

How to care for eco-leather?

Eco-leather is a modern high-tech material that is very easy to care for. To remove household contaminants (tea, coffee, juice, etc.), treat the surface with a damp soft cloth, using light movements, then be sure to wipe dry. In the same way, dust deposits and dirt are removed. If it is not possible to get rid of the contamination immediately, it is allowed to use a 40-50% solution of ethyl alcohol (just vodka) or ammonia.

Cleaning using abrasive pastes, chlorine-containing bleaches, and heat treatment with household electric heating devices is not recommended.

Summary:

Eco-leather is a material with a unique set of consumer properties:

• external resemblance to real skin
• allows air and water vapor to pass through, i.e. "breathes"
• wear-resistant
• frost-resistant
• does not emit harmful substances
• has no “defects” of natural leather
• perfectly processed

Therefore, eco-leather is perfect for creating covers for car seats. With eco-leather covers, the car interior looks like an original leather interior.

Better to see once than hear a hundred times!

Order covers for your car

What is Alcantara?

This is a unique premium material made from polyester, polyurethane and cotton. In appearance, Alcantara is practically indistinguishable from natural suede, but significantly exceeds it in its performance properties, quality and wear resistance.

Alcantara looks very solid, which is why luxury brands such as Audi, Mercedes, Porsche and others began to widely use Alcantara to trim the interiors of their cars. Alcantara is also used in the finishing of yachts, upholstery of expensive furniture and in the production of clothing. Many car enthusiasts around the world, having decided to update the interior of their car, choose Alcantara. The interior, lined with Alcantara, gives the car a luxurious look and gives its owner solidity.

The group always monitors new products appearing on the market of materials for sewing car seat covers. Alcantara was no exception. The AUTOPILOT factory produces combined covers from eco-leather and Alcantara, as these materials are ideally combined with each other. The central part of the case is made of Alcantara and all the sides are made of eco-leather; this not only looks beautiful, but also allows you to achieve high levels of wear resistance.

What is the advantage of Alcantara covers:

1) This is a very durable and wear-resistant material. Alcantara is difficult to cut, it does not shine and does not wear out over time. Alcantara covers are heat-resistant and will not be damaged by sparks or ash. Separately, it is worth noting the resistance to dust and machine oils. This means that Alcantara car covers will serve you for many years, while maintaining a presentable appearance.

2) Alcantara is a material with excellent thermoregulatory properties. That is, Alcantara car seat covers maintain the same temperature in winter and summer, providing the driver and passengers with maximum comfort.

3) Combined covers made of eco-leather and Alcantara give your car a “luxury” look. Such cases always look great, they are pleasant to touch - velvety, matte, shimmering in the light with bright shades of Alcantara, creating a unique design. The interior of the car, “dressed” in Alcantara covers, looks amazing and very stylish.

4) Car covers made from Alcantara are easy to care for. Simply use a damp cloth and standard cleaning products. But it is better to remove stains “fresh”.

5) You save money. Buying Alcantara car covers will cost you much less than if you decided to reupholster the car interior. You benefit not only in price, but also in quality.

Alcantara car seat covers from are beautiful, stylish, practical and reliable. Truly an ideal choice for a motorist who keeps up with the times, because Alcantara, today, is one of the most high-tech and durable upholstery materials in the whole world!

Order covers for your car

Caring for new eco-leather shoes

Buying a new pair of shoes always brings positive emotions. In the first days, the owner of a new thing tries to extend its life by creating favorable conditions for this. After purchasing shoes, it is better to immediately purchase care products. Specialty stores and supermarkets offer a wide range of different sprays, pastes, creams and much more. Also, do not forget about tools such as sponges, rubber and bristle brushes. With their help, new eco-leather shoes will not lose their attractiveness.

When purchasing care products, you should select them according to the type of surface. Shoes made from artificial nubuck require different protection than eco-leather.

Folk remedies

Using professional dry cleaning services is not possible for everyone. What to do in such cases and how to keep new eco-leather shoes looking fresh. With the help of home remedies, you can cope well with this task. Surely every housewife has a couple of secrets for caring for artificial materials. The most common household ingredients are soap, alcohol solutions, and vinegar.

1. A soap solution can do the minimum job perfectly. Dust, street dirt or household stains will go away if you wipe them with toilet or laundry soap dissolved in a small amount of water.
2. Coffee or chocolate stains are treated with the same soap composition. In the case of white shoes, apply a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide to the stain for a few seconds.
3. Spilled beer leaves visible marks. You can get rid of them using a vinegar solution. Shoes pre-treated with soapy water are wiped with a vinegar solution based on the proportions of two tablespoons per liter of water.
4. Greasy or old stains will disappear after treatment with ammonia or a 40-50% aqueous-alcohol solution. Shaving foam has also proven itself well.

The surface, cleaned of contaminants, must be covered with a protective layer. Glycerin, petroleum jelly and vegetable oil are suitable for this. They will give your shoes a beautiful shine and repel excess moisture.

Computer experts know a little secret. Wipes for cleaning the monitor are impregnated with a special composition of isopropyl alcohol. They do an excellent job of removing stains not only on the screen, but also on the eco-leather surface. Feedback from this application is only positive.

Professional products

For those who do not want to save on shoe protection or simply do not trust traditional methods, professional products are produced. They contain components that can protect new eco-leather shoes from the influence of external factors. Products are selected based on the type and color of the surface: fleecy, smooth, varnished, universal color or multi-colored.

1. Shoes made of nubuck and suede are processed using special aerosols, balms, polishing cloths and paints. All of them will effectively and delicately clean the pile surface and protect from new stains. These include such manufacturers as Tarrago, Saphir, Kaps.
2. Smooth and patent leather shoes are cleaned using creams and balms. It is advisable to select products with a moisturizing effect. After cleaning, a water-repellent impregnation is applied to the surface. The brands Avel, Tarrago, Saphir have proven themselves to be the best.
3. Products from TRG and Columbu are available in various shades. This is a good option for colored shoes. In addition to preserving color, creams and balms nourish and soften the surface.

Each professional product for eco-leather shoes comes with detailed instructions for use. By following it and applying the composition correctly, you can avoid many problems.

Advantages and disadvantages

If you are looking for beautiful bags wholesale, you can read more about stylish accessories on the website. Here are products made from eco-leather, which have the following advantages:

• Low price. This is the main factor in favor of eco-leather bags. Products are available to all customers, regardless of their financial capabilities.
• High strength. In production, polyurethane and a dense fabric base are used, which is resistant to deformation and various damages.
• Resistance to high humidity and other adverse factors. Unlike models made of genuine leather, bags made of polyurethane are resistant to getting wet, so even in heavy rain the contents of the bag will not be damaged.
• Varied design. Manufacturers offer to purchase youth bags wholesale here, products for older ladies, strict black models and bright clutches, products with designer elements.

However, eco-leather products also have disadvantages. Connoisseurs will always distinguish an artificial accessory from a bag made of genuine leather, so ladies of high society have to pay for expensive products. In addition, the leather has an original texture that is pleasant to the touch; you want to touch it again and again. This distinguishes it favorably from smooth and cold products made from artificial raw materials.

Eco-leather: properties, reviews and basics of operation

23 October 2021 lady

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Not so long ago, so-called ecological leather, or eco-leather for short, appeared on sale. It is used to make accessories, clothing, and is used in car interiors. But what is she? What are its disadvantages, advantages, is it worth choosing clothes or accessories from it, and many more questions arise for those who encounter this concept for the first time.

Features of care

Despite the strength and wear resistance of eco-leather products, there are several factors whose influence should be excluded or at least minimized. These include:

• scratches;
• hot items, primarily cigarettes;
• exposure to rubbing surfaces with an abrasive effect;
• constant presence of moisture.

In all other respects, caring for polyurethane foam is quite simple. From time to time it should be wiped first with a damp, then with a dry soft cloth. Contaminants can be removed with soapy water, wine or ammonia, diluting them by half with water. The wet item is wiped as thoroughly as possible, then placed to dry away from heat sources. To care for shoes, you can use shoe creams, the excess of which is removed with a soft cloth.

What is eco leather?

Eco leather, what is it? - they often ask in the store when they see eco-leather bags on sale. Is it good or bad? What are its pros and cons?

Contrary to opinions, eco-leather was named so not because it does not harm nature, but because it is safe for humans to wear.

Eco-leather is an artificial material.

It is made from cotton fabric and polyurethane - the substance is applied to the fabric in the form of a thin film. Thanks to this, the “skin” turns out to be soft and elastic so much that it can be confused with natural one. In addition, its surface contains pores and irregularities that replicate the relief of natural leather.

However, eco-leather can be distinguished from natural leather, the main thing is to be able to look for the necessary signs, read: how to distinguish natural leather from artificial leather.

The quality of eco-leather is significantly higher than conventional substitutes; it is artificial leather of the latest generation, but, as reviews show, it is still too early to talk about serious advantages.

Reviews for eco-leather

Our site will try to give an impartial assessment of this material.

Of course, there is no consensus, but it is quite possible to determine the main advantages and disadvantages of eco-leather.

It should also be remembered that the quality of the material varies depending on the manufacturer. You can purchase a product made from high-quality eco-leather, but you may not be so lucky – so always choose your items carefully.

Products that are often made from eco-leather:

♦ Bags, wallets, purses and so on.

Most often, bags made of eco-leather are offered for sale: they are cheaper than bags made of genuine leather, but more expensive than bags made of other materials. Perhaps, eco-leather bags have the least number of complaints - if the bag itself was not defective or damaged, the bag will serve you faithfully and for a long time, perhaps even longer than a bag made of genuine leather.

Advantages of eco-leather: the bag will not stretch in “weak” places - pockets, zipper areas, handles, etc., and will not crack, as happens with bags made of artificial leather.

Disadvantages of eco-leather: in rare cases, an unpleasant odor is possible.

♦ Demi-season outerwear.

Eco-leather raincoats and jackets have long been not uncommon. For spring or autumn, this is a very good option, especially if funds or ethics do not allow you to buy clothes made from natural materials.

Advantages of eco-leather: moderate cost, good wind protection, wear resistance.

Disadvantages of eco-leather: “rough” texture and large thickness of the material - it cannot be compared with a thin jacket made of natural husky, there may be an unpleasant smell.

♦ Winter outerwear.

A sheepskin coat or down jacket made of eco-leather seems like a good option and also has a right to exist, however, many consumers were dissatisfied with the way eco-leather behaves in the cold. And if in autumn and spring these shortcomings are not so noticeable and demi-season clothing made from eco-leather is popular, then in winter the shortcomings come to light.

Advantages of eco-leather: low cost compared to winter clothes made from natural materials, wear resistance, good protection from the wind.

Disadvantages of eco-leather: in severe frost it retains heat worse if the jacket does not have a thick layer of insulation; in moderate frost it can become hot in a sheepskin coat made of eco-leather.

♦ Eco-leather shoes.

Summer shoes made of eco-leather are a good option, but it is important to choose the right sandals and clogs for your feet. Winter shoes have the same advantages and disadvantages as eco-leather outerwear.

Despite the fact that eco-leather is called a breathable material, and this is partly true, it is still artificial leather and will be less breathable than natural leather.

Eco leather care

Caring for eco-leather is quite simple. You won't need any expensive care products, and besides, this material is quite durable.

Contamination can be washed off with water, including soap; for severe contamination, use alcohol. Afterwards, be sure to wipe dry with a clean cloth. Eco-leather products are not washed, but dry-cleaned.

Like natural leather, eco-leather should be dried at room temperature. If your bag gets completely wet in the rain, wipe it dry and leave it to dry away from radiators, other heat sources, and warm air flows. Don't dry it with a hairdryer either.

Eco-leather shoes are washed and dried in the same way as any other shoes made of leather or substitutes. To add shine, you can use sprays and creams for natural leather, but do not overdo it - unlike natural leather, eco-leather does not absorb cream. Be sure to remove excess with a dry textile cloth.

Tags: types of leather

, artificial leather

, materials

, technology

, skin care

Difference from genuine leather

Sometimes, natural leather causes allergies, which is excluded in the case of its eco-friendly analogue. Both fabrics are warm to the touch, but sitting on an eco-leather sofa, a person will sweat less. Eco-leather has no specific odor. Eco-leather products are painted in more saturated colors, as the paint adheres better. Pay attention to the reverse side: for genuine leather it will be fleecy, while the analogue has a textile base. When deformed, natural leather does not change its color. If the fold is lighter, then this is eco-leather. In terms of tactile sensations, a synthetic leather substitute is much more pleasant.

PVC and polyurethane: there is a difference

All leather imitations are built according to the same scheme: fabric (cotton, polyester), on top of which a polymer film is applied. Until recently, the common polymer was polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is easy to give it any color, embossing, or shine. The material is easy to care for and chemically resistant. Yes, and it looks good. Faux leather with PVC coating is still often used to upholster seats and backs in public places and transport, kitchen and other furniture, etc. It is clear that this “skin” is far from being comparable to natural leather - it is porous and able to “breathe”, and the film is monolithic and impenetrable for moisture and air.

Half a century ago in the USA they announced the creation of a porous leatherette. The main idea was to use another polymer instead of PVC - a polyurethane film. We obtained a material whose porosity turned out to be even higher than that of natural leather - the number of pores in the latter decreases when processing raw leather. In our area, the new product is called “eco-leather”. It is increasingly used for upholstering furniture.

"Ecological leather": pros and cons

Let us list the main advantages of the new material:

• highly permeable to air and moisture vapor (but does not allow water to pass through);
• cheaper than genuine leather (but more expensive than PVC leatherette);
• outwardly almost indistinguishable from genuine leather;
• varied in color and embossing, it is not difficult to choose upholstery to suit any style and design of furniture and the room as a whole;
• resistant to abrasion and tearing, durable;
• does not change color or other properties under the influence of light or ultraviolet radiation;
• elastic and soft, pleasant to the touch;
• has no odor and does not cause allergies.

As you can see, in some ways eco-leather is similar to a PVC substitute, and in some ways it differs favorably from it. Much depends on whether you care for the material correctly. By the way, caring for eco-leather is more difficult than caring for PVC leatherette. Let us also not hide the fact that both materials emit toxic substances when burned.

Eco leather comes in different varieties

It is no secret that the same name can hide products of very different quality. It all depends on the skill and integrity of the manufacturer. Genuine leather does not always meet our expectations: even ideal raw materials are easy to spoil. The same applies to eco-leather furniture.

Very often, the “face” of furniture is finished with embossed eco-leather treated with acrylic emulsions. They give the material an “attractive” look. But it is clear that in this case the tiny pores simply disappear. Sitting or lying on such a covering is uncomfortable - sweat accumulates under the bare areas of the body.

Low-quality fakes are often passed off as eco-leather. They are cold to the touch and require additional textile bedding; they shed, staining bed linen; Contaminants are not washed off from them, cracks and peeling appear at the seams and folds.

It is unlikely that you will be able to recognize fakes by eye. Before reupholstering furniture, try:

• make inquiries about the quality of the material and work of this company from people who have used its services;
• find out what guarantees the company gives;
• ask what type of eco-leather, what manufacturer she uses and search for additional information on the Internet.

And lastly: the too low price of eco-leather should alert you - high-quality material cannot be cheap.

Comparison

Differences between eco-leather and leatherette:

1. The first material is softer and more pleasant to the touch than the second.
2. Eco-leather allows water vapor and air to pass through, easily absorbs liquid, and people hardly sweat in shoes made from it. Leatherette is not capable of permeating gases and liquids.
3. Natural materials and polypropylene can withstand temperatures from -30 to +100 degrees, they retain their appearance and properties in extreme conditions. The artificial PVC substitute quickly hardens and cracks even at 10-20 degrees below zero.
4. Polypropylene cannot pose a danger to humans and the environment. When heated, PVC releases harmful substances, which can negatively affect the health of the owner of a leatherette item.
5. Ecological leather lasts longer than leatherette.

In many respects, eco-leather is better not only than leatherette, but also natural leather. Products made from it are stronger, more hygroscopic and retain their good appearance longer. Manufacturers are trying to abandon the use of PVC-based substitutes, because... rubberized fabric made from natural ingredients has many advantages, and the difference in cost of these materials is small.

Eco-leather or leatherette – what to choose?

When choosing an upholstery material for furniture that can replace natural leather, it is logical to choose the one whose properties are as close as possible to the properties of leather.

To make eco-leather, natural leather and cellulose are used, and the outside is coated with polyurethane. The leatherette is based on PVC. Thus, eco-leather consists almost entirely of natural components, and it is to this fact that it owes its name. And leatherette is a product exclusively of chemical production.

It is the composition that explains the properties of the materials under consideration. Eco-leather is soft, plastic, pleasant to the touch. It has excellent air and vapor permeability, does not emit substances harmful to humans, does not cause allergic reactions and has the smell of natural leather. What can I say, it is often difficult for a non-specialist to distinguish them... In addition, eco-leather perfectly tolerates temperatures down to -35˚, maintaining strength and resistance to scratches and cracks.

Leatherette, on the contrary, practically does not allow air to pass through. Even the highest quality leatherette will be rougher. It does not tolerate negative temperatures well, becoming brittle and may crack during use.

Pros and cons of genuine leather

Genuine leather is animal skins that have gone through a long series of different processes, such as soaking, liming, tanning and dyeing.

The manufacturing process is very harmful both to the environment and to the employees working in production. Clothing, accessories and furniture made from genuine leather are considered symbols of prestige, and they cost a decent amount.

However, the undoubted advantage of this material is its strength and durability. Of course, leather products require proper care, which includes cleaning them from dirt and treating them with impregnations.

How to distinguish eco-leather from leatherette?

The first method relies solely on sensations, so it is recommended to practice before using it. Each seller usually has samples of upholstery materials. Take a piece of material and hold it in your palm. Do you feel the warmth, soft, velvety surface? Most likely, you have eco-leather in your hands. PVC is an ordinary plastic, therefore, the sensations from leatherette are similar to those you experience when holding a plastic object in your hand or touching, for example, a plastic window frame.

If it is difficult for you to rely on your feelings, you can use a more complex method. To do this, drop a little vegetable oil onto the surface of the material being tested. If you look at this place after a day, not a trace will remain on natural leather and eco-leather - the oil will be absorbed without spoiling the surface. If, under the influence of vegetable oil, the material has become rough and rigid, it is leatherette, the chemical components of which are destroyed by vegetable oil.