Asia Pacific Dominates Synthetic Leather Market with China and India Leading
In recent years, the synthetic leather industry has seen remarkable growth, driven by a shift towards more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to genuine leather. In 2018, global production of synthetic leather surpassed 9 billion square meters, with significant applications spanning footwear, furnishings, apparel, automotive, and leather goods. Among the different types of synthetic leather available—Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polyurethane (PU)—PVC is favored for upholstery and footwear due to its multi-layered structure and fewer pores. Conversely, PU leather, known for its pliability and flexibility, is increasingly preferred for mid-range and high-end products due to its resemblance to genuine leather. The PU leather segment is expanding rapidly, offering a variety of patterns, styles, finishes, and colors that mimic the appearance and feel of authentic leather.