PVC leather is one of the alternative options to genuine leather products and also a good material for making bags. It is a synthetic material mainly composed of polyvinyl chloride. Genuine leather is derived from animal skin, featuring natural texture and breathability. It is durable and has a high-end feel, but it is expensive. This article will explore the material characteristics of PVC leather and compare the similarities and differences between PVC leather and real leather.
What is PVC leather?
PVC leather (also known as polyvinyl chloride leather or ethylene leather) is a synthetic material based on plastic. It is a kind of synthetic leather made by coating a plastic layer on a fabric substrate, imitating the appearance and texture of genuine leather, but it is completely artificial.
PVC leather is a reasonably priced, waterproof genuine leather imitation with good durability. It is most suitable for short-term and low-cost products.
Is PVC leather vegan?
Yes, PVC leather is technically vegan because it does not contain animal-derived ingredients.
Why is PVC leather vegan?
It is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and fabric substrate, and contains no animal ingredients, unlike genuine leather which uses animal skin. Although PVC leather is defined as a vegetarian, it is not the most sustainable best choice.
For those who care about environmental protection and sustainability, there are other vegan leather alternatives, such as leather made from plant-based materials like pineapple leather and mushroom leather.
Is PVC leather real leather?
No, PVC leather is not genuine leather. PVC is artificial leather, a kind of plastic imitation, an artificially synthesized faux leather material, while real leather is natural animal leather. PVC leather and real leather have essential differences in terms of material composition, production methods, performance, environmental friendliness, etc.
PVC leather vs genuine leather
PVC leather (polyvinyl chloride artificial leather) and genuine leather (real leather) have significant differences in many aspects.
Materials
PVC leather: It uses textile as the base material and is covered with polyvinyl chloride film on the surface. It belongs to artificial synthetic materials. It is based on petroleum and can be mass-produced in factories.
Genuine leather: Made from animal skin, it is a natural leather material. Natural animal skins (such as those of cattle, lambs, goats, etc.) have undergone tanning processing. Biodegradable (if plant-tanned), made by artisans.
Durability and lifespan
PVC leather
The service life is 1 to 8 years (it may peel off/crack over time). It has weak resistance to heat, cold and friction. Low scratch resistance (fast wear).
Real leather
It lasts for decades (aged and beautiful, developing patina). Use usage to enhance the tone (for example, a vintage leather jacket). Self-repair minor scratches with a conditioner.
Comfort and Sensation
PVC leather
The appearance is smooth and uniform, presenting a plastic luster, and can be made into various colors and patterns through processing techniques. Hard, plastic-like feel; Trap/Hot sweat. No natural patterns (uniform texture). The new ones smell like chemical substances.
Real leather
It has the texture and pores of natural leather, with a natural luster on the surface, being soft and breathable. Unique texture patterns (no two pieces are the same), different types of genuine leather vary in texture, thickness and elasticity, and the overall texture is heavy and natural. It smells like earth.
Environmental impact
PVC leather
PVC leather is made from fossil fuels. The materials used in the production process can be recycled and reused, but the production process may generate harmful substances (dioxins, phthalates). If not handled properly, it will have a certain impact on the environment. PVC leather is non-biodegradable and sheds microplastics.
Genuine leather
Genuine leather is a natural material that can be biodegraded (if plants get tanned). Some genuine leather products may cause environmental pollution problems if not handled properly. For instance, chrome tanning can lead to pollution, and vegetable tanning can be chosen instead.
Performance
PVC leather
Advantages: Strong water resistance, not easy to absorb water, and can effectively prevent water penetration. It has strong wear resistance and can maintain a good appearance and texture for a long time. It has good acid and alkali resistance, is easy to clean and maintain, and has strong UV resistance. It is often used in outdoor products.
Disadvantages: Poor breathability and moisture absorption, and there may be discomfort during long-term use. It is prone to hardening and brittleness in low-temperature environments and may crack. The manufacturing process may produce substances that are harmful to the environment. If waste is not properly handled, it may have a negative impact on the environment.
Genuine leather
Advantages: It has excellent breathability and moisture absorption, can well adapt to the humidity and temperature of human skin, has high elasticity and tensile strength, and is not easy to deform. High texture, looking more noble and elegant; Natural and environmentally friendly, it contains no harmful substances and is harmless to the human body and the environment. It has good thermal insulation and can effectively maintain the body temperature. Unique touch, soft and smooth surface, comfortable to the touch.
Disadvantages: Vulnerable to damage, with a relatively soft surface, it is easily scratched or worn by sharp objects. It requires careful maintenance. Improper cleaning may give off a leather smell and the genuine leather is prone to cracking. The price is relatively high because the source is rather limited and the processing is rather complicated.
Usage scenarios
PVC leather: It is often used in outdoor products, furniture, bags and other scenarios with high requirements for wear resistance and acid and alkali resistance.
Genuine leather: It is often used to make high-end leather shoes, bags, furniture and car seats, etc., in scenes that pursue natural texture and elegant quality.
The key differences between PVC leather and genuine leather
| Feature | PVC Leather | Genuine Leather |
| Made from | Plastic (polyvinyl chloride) over fabric | Animal hides (typically cowhide) |
| Animal-free | Yes (vegan) | No |
| Natural/Plastic | 100% synthetic | 100% natural |
| Lifespan | 2–5 years (can peel/crack) | 10–20+ years (with care) |
| Resistance | Water and stain resistant | Breathable, durable, improves with age |
| Aging | Gets brittle over time | Develops a patina, ages well |
| Price | Low | High |
| Value over time | Moderate | High |
| Biodegradable | No (plastic-based) | Yes (natural, but may be chemically treated) |
| Manufacturing | Polluting (dioxins, phthalates, VOCs) | Polluting (tanning chemicals, water usage) |
| Ethical choice | Vegan, but not eco-friendly | Animal use, but can be sustainable if sourced well |
| Texture | Often uniform, can look artificial | Natural grain, varies by hide |
| Breathability | Poor (can trap heat/sweat) | Excellent (comfortable over time) |
| Smell | May have plastic or chemical odor | Rich, natural leather scent |
Which One Should You Choose?
| If you want… | Choose… |
| A budget-friendly, vegan material | PVC leather |
| Something that lasts decades | Genuine leather |
| A natural and breathable material | Genuine leather |
| A water-resistant, low-maintenance surface | PVC leather |
| A more eco-conscious vegan option | Look into plant-based leather instead of PVC |
How to identify PVC leather from genuine leather?
Smell: PVC smells like plastic. Genuine leather has a strong earthy fragrance.
Bending test: Cracks appear when PVC leather is folded; The real leather wrinkles slightly.
Edge: PVC leather has a perfect sealed edge; The edges of genuine leather are fibrous.
The best application scope of PVC leather bags:
The fashionable bag, made of PVC leather, features a trendy design and bright colors at a low price.
Waterproof handbags or tote bags, suitable for bags that need to withstand daily wear and tear.
Occasional bags or seasonal accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions of PVC leather:
Is PVC leather durable?
The durability of PVC leather is at a medium level. It has outstanding advantages such as wear resistance and water resistance. Under normal use and proper maintenance, it can generally be used for 2 to 5 years. Compared with genuine leather products, there is still a certain gap in its durability.
Is PVC leather genuine leather?
No. It is a synthetic leather made of polyvinyl chloride resin and belongs to the category of artificial synthetic materials. It is essentially different from real leather extracted from animal skins.
Is PVC leather vegan leather?
Yes, PVC leather is usually regarded as vegan-friendly leather. Vegan leather is leather that contains 100% no animal-derived components. PVC leather fully meets this condition, being free of animal components and thus classified as vegan leather.
Is PVC leather toxic?
It may be toxic. During the production and manufacturing process of PVC leather, some chemical substances are used. Moreover, during the daily use of PVC leather products, harmful waste gases to health may be released. Therefore, it may be toxic.