Faux Leather Bag Manufacturers
Faux leather bags typically use polyester or cotton as the base fabric. Manufacturers then coat the fabric with a plastic substance, such as polyurethane or PVC. They also add chemical stabilizers, plasticizers and lubricants to the material.
Real leather has a lower environmental impact than faux leather. However, the tanning process is expensive and causes chromium run-off.
Presstoff
The majority of faux leathers on the market today consist of a base textile covered with a plastic material, typically polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The plastic can be dyed to match the color of the underlying fabric. There are also eco-friendly alternatives made of plant-based products like pineapple or cactus, but they tend to be less durable and have a more rigid feel than PU and PVC.
One of the earliest faux leathers was called Presstoff, invented in Germany in the 19th century and used widely during WWII when genuine leather was rationed. This layered paper pulp underwent special chemical and manual treatments to make it look like leather. It was used for a variety of small production items including belts, gabs, bayonet cases, and even binocular straps and cases. However, it could not replace footwear because it broke down easily under repeated flexion and moisture.
Faux leather is an alternative to real leather, which requires a great deal of processing and can be expensive for consumers. It provides significant cost benefits and addresses ethical concerns about animal welfare and the leather industry’s environmental impact, making it faux leather bag manufacturers a popular choice for vegans. It is not, however, as environmentally friendly as organic materials, since it takes a long time to decompose and may release harmful chemicals into the environment.
Naugahyde
Naugahyde is a popular vinyl fabric used to make faux leather bags. It’s a durable, pliable fabric with a soft hand. It’s easy to clean and is available in many colors. The fabric is also a good choice for reupholstering furniture. It has a lower abrasion rating than some other vinyl fabrics.
One of the earliest forms of fake leather was Presstoff, which was invented in Germany during World War II. It was used extensively in the war, as genuine leather was heavily rationed. However, it didn’t enjoy much popularity outside of Germany. Consumers quickly favored other leather alternatives with more desirable attributes.
The pliable, durable material that’s known as Naugahyde first appeared on the international fabric scene in 1920. It was formulated by the US Rubber Company after years of research. Using jersey knit with expanded polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it was designed to retain a soft feel and match the physical appearance of real leather.
It’s a great choice for kids and pets, and it can stand up to high-traffic areas and furniture. It also resists sun damage and doesn’t deteriorate in cold temperatures. It’s a popular choice for boat upholstery, golf cart seats, and motorcycle seats. It’s even used in the upholstery of medical offices and leisure vehicles. You can also find it in restaurant booth seating and chairs.
Compo-SiL(r)
Faux leather or fake leather, as it is commonly called, had its hay-days but then had some real bad days too. From being the favorite substitute for genuine leather to being on the enemy list of sustainable activists, faux leather has gone from hero to villain in a very short space of time. Whether you are looking to purchase a new handbag or a comfortable pair of shoes, choosing the best material can be tricky.
One of the most popular animal cruelty-free leather alternatives is Compo-SiL(r). This vegan material is made from silicone, which reduces CO2 emissions during production and enhances sustainability. It is also free of harmful chemicals and solvents, and its coloring additives are formulated to comply with FDA/RoHS/REACH standards.
The Compo-SiL(r) SL series of silicone vegan leather is PETA approved and provides many benefits to manufacturers seeking a quality alternative to pleather materials. This silicone leather is highly resistant to UV light, solvents, and chemicals. It is easy to clean and can be customized with antiviral, antibacterial, or extra flame-retardant properties.
Another vegan leather option is MycaNova, which uses completely organic bacterial cellulose grown on agricultural waste. This eco-friendly product is available in a wide range of colors and textures, and is suitable for a variety of applications, including faux leather bags and footwear.
Animal cruelty-free leather alternatives
A growing number of consumers are looking for animal cruelty-free leather alternatives, and brands are responding ladies fashion bags wholesale with a wide variety of innovative products. PU or polyurethane leather, for example, is a synthetic material that mimics the look and feel of traditional leather. It is durable, water resistant, and surprisingly lightweight. Another popular vegan leather alternative is MulbTex, which uses paper pulp from mulberry trees to coat cotton canvas. The resulting fabric is silky smooth and tough, and Gunas New York recently used it to create the world’s first plant-based men’s leather jacket.
In contrast, animal-derived leather comes from the hides of cows and other animals. These animals are raised and slaughtered for their skins, often in countries with questionable animal welfare laws. According to a recent study by Collective Fashion Justice and FOUR PAWS, most animals are treated like mere commodities, and many suffer from mutilation including castration and hot iron branding.
Then there’s the environmental impact of tanneries, where toxic waste from chemicals (like water-fouling salt, lime sludge, and sulfides) run off into local water sources, poisoning entire ecosystems and increasing the risk of skin cancer for tannery workers. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly leather substitutes that can be just as stylish and durable as traditional leather, such as cork, banana, and leaf. Cork leather is made from the bark of the cork tree, which is sustainably harvested and fully biodegradable. Another eco-friendly option is a plant-based leather called Pinatex, which is woven from the fibers of pineapple leaves and endorsed by high-end brands like Hugo Boss. Mushroom leather is also a good alternative, with brands such as Mylo using the roots of the Phellinus ellipsoideus fungus to make faux leather bags that are lightweight and incredibly durable.