Differences between Leather and Polyurethane

Leather vs. Polyurethane

Leather and polyurethane (PU) are two materials commonly used in upholstery, clothing, and accessories. While polyurethane is designed to mimic the appearance and feel of leather, the two materials differ significantly in their origin, durability, cost, and environmental impact. Genuine leather is a natural material produced from the tanned hide of an animal, most commonly cattle. Polyurethane, in contrast, is an entirely synthetic polymer coated onto a fabric base, such as polyester or cotton.

Comparison Table

Category	Leather	Polyurethane (PU)
Origin	Animal hides (e.g., cowhide)	Synthetic polymer (plastic) coated on a fabric base
Durability & Lifespan	High; typically lasts 10-20 years or more with proper care and develops a patina over time.	Low to moderate; generally lasts 1-5 years and can be prone to cracking or peeling.
Cost	Significantly more expensive due to raw material costs and complex manufacturing.	More affordable due to simpler, synthetic manufacturing processes.
Appearance & Texture	Natural, unique grain with some imperfections. Breathes and can absorb water.	Uniform, consistent texture and appearance. Water-resistant and does not absorb liquids.
Care & Maintenance	Requires regular cleaning and conditioning to prevent drying and cracking.	Easy to clean with a damp cloth; does not require conditioning.
Environmental Impact	Associated with greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water usage from livestock farming, as well as toxic chemicals used in the tanning process.	Derived from non-renewable fossil fuels. Production can involve toxic chemicals, and it is not biodegradable, contributing to plastic pollution.
Breathability	Naturally breathable.	Not breathable compared to genuine leather.

Venn diagram comparing Differences between Leather and Polyurethane

Durability and Aging

Genuine leather is known for its high durability and long lifespan, often lasting for decades with appropriate care. Over time, it develops a patina, a soft sheen that enhances its appearance. Polyurethane is less durable and has a shorter lifespan, typically lasting between one and five years before it may begin to crack, peel, or tear, especially with frequent use. Unlike genuine leather, polyurethane does not develop a natural patina and its appearance deteriorates with wear.

Environmental Considerations

Both leather and polyurethane have notable environmental impacts. The production of leather is linked to the environmental costs of animal agriculture, including significant greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. The tanning process to convert animal hide into leather often involves the use of toxic chemicals like chromium.

Polyurethane production relies on petroleum-based products, which are non-renewable resources. The manufacturing process can also involve toxic solvents, and the final material is not biodegradable, contributing to long-term plastic waste in landfills. While PU leather production generally uses less water and energy than leather, its end-of-life environmental impact is a significant concern.

Care and Maintenance

The maintenance required for leather and polyurethane differs considerably. Genuine leather needs regular care, including cleaning with products designed for leather and periodic conditioning to restore moisture and prevent it from drying out and cracking. Polyurethane is simpler to care for, typically only requiring wiping with a damp cloth to remove dust and spills. It is not porous like leather, making it resistant to staining from liquids. Harsh chemical cleaners should be avoided on both materials.