What is PU Leather: Everything You Need to Know

In the days of sustainability and the affordability of which influence the consumer's choice, PU leather (polyurethane leather) has been established as a substitute that is in fact as good as the traditional animal leather. Indeed, this synthetic material that can be used for office chairs or handbags combines practical and ethical aspects. 

But have you ever wondered what the difference to genuine leather is and what are its pros and cons and, of course, how you make it last long…

Throughout this guide, we will take a closer look at PU leather’s composition, uses, and care tips, and we will also feature Boulies’ Ultraflex PU top-selling office chairs.

1. What is PU Leather?

Polyurethane (PU) leather, also known as synthetic leather, is a manmade material that looks and feels like real leather but doesn’t use any animal bones. Unlike PVC leather (polyvinyl chloride) which is based on plastic polymers and harmful chlorides, PU leather uses a fabric base coated with a thin layer of polyurethane. So it’s a vegan leather option that’s lightweight, water resistant, and has no animal parts.

Key Features:

• Layered Structure: It is made of fabric material like polyester or cotton, to which a thin layer of polyurethane is applied.
• Eco-Friendly Edge: Uses 70% less carbon emissions than real leather production.
• Ethical Appeal: Animal welfare, cruelty-free.

2. How PU Leather is Made

PU leather can be made by understanding the process of how it’s engineered.

Step 1: Base Fabric Preparation

Clean a fabric which is woven or non woven (e.g polyester) and implemented to ensure the fabric sticks to the polyurethane.

Step 2: Polyurethane Coating

The liquid based polyurethane is applied to the fabric, forming a flexible grain-like pattern on the surface. Advanced techniques like embossing can mimic the natural grain of animal hide.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

The cloth has been treated with UV protectants, color dyes, and anticorrosive coatings to make it wear and tear resistant.

Environmental Impact: Besides saving animals, PU leather doesn’t save the world from fossil fuel pollution (it contributes 14.5% of global greenhouse gases); it’s an environmental issue. A study revealed that other brands like Boulies use Ultraflex PU, which is harmless during production.

3. Advantages of PU Leather: A Modern, Practical Choice

PU leather is for those who want something like the real deal but at a lower price.

1. Cost-Effective: PU leather is 50 to 70% cheaper than real leather, so you can get it. Tinctures are made by dipping the fabric in a protein material extracted from the brewing waste of the poultry and the roots of hemp seed into tannins.

2. Easy Maintenance: Cleaning PU leather is a breeze—just wipe it down with a damp cloth or soapy water. Unlike real leather, no special conditioners or treatments are needed.

3. Durable & Resilient: PU leather with Boulies’ Ultraflex PU is high quality and can resist scratches, fading, and peeling for 2-5 years if taken care of properly.

4. Versatile Design: PU leather comes in different styles and colors so you can use it to look like other expensive materials like suede and crocodile, which is perfect for furniture, fashion, and automotive interiors.

5. Eco-Friendly & Vegan: The eco-friendly side of PU leather is that it’s made without animal products, so it’s more environmentally friendly than traditional leather production, so you get a cruelty-free product with minimal effect on the environment.

4. Disadvantages of PU Leather

• Breathability Issues: PU leather doesn’t have the pores of real leather.
• Lifespan Limitations: PU leather only has a lifespan of 2-5 years, which is very short compared to 10- 20+ years of full-grain leather.

5. PU Leather vs. Genuine Leather: A Side-by-Side Comparison

PU leather is a synthetic material, while genuine leather is made from animal hide. PU leather is also known as faux leather or vegan leather. 

7. How to Care for PU Leather

Cleaning PU Leather

It's an advantage that you can easily clean PU leather since it is a non-porous material. Because of this fact, it does not absorb liquids like real leather does, leading to it being low-maintenance in general. However, regular cleaning is still necessary to avoid accumulating dirt, getting stained, and wearing out.

How to Clean PU Leather

• Daily Dusting: Regular use of a dry microfiber cloth can ensure that the PU leather surfaces are really free of debris. This will help to ensure that no dirt gets into the fabric.
• Removing Stains: Should you happen to spill something on PU leather, make sure to dab it with a damp cloth. Avoid the circular motion, as it may result in the removal of the surface.
• Deep Cleaning: You can try using a soft sponge or cloth and mild soap with warm water to rub the surface to extract deep grinding stains. Avoid such abrasive detergents, as they can have a negative effect on the polyurethane surface.
• Drying Properly: Do not forget to use a dry cloth when the washing is completed to remove any outstanding water. Wet PU leather can compact and cause peeling.

Protecting PU Leather

Even so, PU leather, while being a strong material, can suffer from the impacts of heat, humidity, and harsh chemicals that may reduce its lifetime. The best way to maintain those items will be to place them out of the reach of these elements.

Ways to Protect PU Leather

• Keep Away from Direct Sunlight: Continued exposure to the sun's rays will lead to the weakening of the colors, thus to fade and crack the PU leather parts. The furniture might be placed in a windowless part of the house, or the same shaded region that is adjacent to the window may be used.
• Avoid Excess Heat and Humidity: PU leather will be drier than ever in high heat and humidity conditions, not to mention more susceptible to peeling. Preferably, do not place your items near heaters, radiators, or fireplaces.
• Use Protective Sprays: A PU leather protectant spray adds one more layer to protect the leather from annoying spills and unsightly stains. Try to find a specially made spray for synthetic leather.
• Prevent Scratches: A key or a pet's claw will leave a scratch on PU leather surfaces. If you have PU leather furniture in your living room, add covers and cushions in the most used areas to prevent users from wearing out the surface.

Maintaining PU Leather

Regular maintenance is the only way to keep PU leather looking attractive and free from premature destruction. Regularly scheduled small efforts will ensure that items remain top-notch for years.

Best Practices for PU Leather Maintenance

• Clean Regularly: Eliminating dust and cleaning PU leather will end the slowing down of the surface, thus still keeping it shiny and sleek every Friday.
• Store Properly: Avoid PU leather items exposed to direct sunlight and store them in a cool, dry place when you don't use them. As for bags and jackets, put your chills in a fabric bag that allows your goods to breathe instead of sending them to the landfill with plastic bags, which may trap moisture and mildew.
• Avoid Overloading: PU leather bags and wallets, overstuffing (products) which may cause the material to stretch and lose its shape, should be avoided by buyers of the product.
• Fix Peeling Early: A PU leather repair kit is used by users to touch up or fix those minor peeling or cracking before it expands. 

8. Boulies’s Best-Selling PU Leather Office Chairs

Boulies Master (Ultraflex PU)

The Boulies Master is a fan favorite for its balance of support and style.Gets you Ultraflex PU upholstery, a water-resistant, scratch-proof surface that feels like real leather. The chair has 4D adjustable armrests, lumbar support, and mesh back for users who spend 8+ hours a day at their desk. 300 lbs weight capacity and tested to 100,000+ abrasion cycles (ASTM D4157 standards) makes it a durable, budget-friendly option for remote workers and gamers.

Boulies Master Rex (Ultraflex PU)

It has all the features of the Boulies Master Rex: a reinforced steel frame and 165-degree recline – perfect for quick naps or reading. The chair comes with a footrest and upgraded memory foam seat cushion to reduce pressure on your hips during long sessions. Like all Boulies chairs, the Master Rex has Ultraflex PU, free of harmful chemicals (OEKO-TEX® certified), so it’s safe and eco-friendly for families and pet owners.

Boulies Elite (Ultraflex PU)

The Boulies Elite Series is our top of the line for those who want luxury and ergonomics. Ultraflex PU upholstery has a matte finish and is spill and fade-resistant, even in sunny rooms. The S-shaped backrest follows the natural curve of the spine, with a waterfall seat edge to promote leg circulation. With a 360-degree swivel, adjustable headrest, and silent casters, the Elite is perfect for execs, streamers, or anyone who wants a chair that looks professional and feels great all day.

Conclusion

PU leather is a biodegradable alternative to genuine leather that is a great conscious choice for those who care about the environment as well as one's choice for a person who would rather not stand up to style or comfort. The comfort of PU leather is applicable to both the home office when Boulies' chairs are used and the shopping for a vegan handbag.

Ready to Upgrade Your Workspace? Check out the Ultraflex PU Collection of Boulies today, which is now available at a non-premium price tag, and try one out now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PU leather vegan?

PU leather has been turned into a vegan leather when it is exclusively created via synthetic materials hence, it is not considered to involve any animal products.

How is PU leather made?

PU leather is developed by coating polyurethane to a fabric backing, which can be made from cotton or other synthetic materials.

Does PU leather have a strong smell?

Sometimes, PU leather products, especially when new, may have only a little good for a few days with the paint you have eaten, but this disappears after a while.

Is PU leather eco-friendly?

PU leather is a new kind of material and is eco-friendly; this makes PU leather considered a sustainable alternative to genuine leather since it is not a byproduct of animals. On the contrary, it is often a byproduct of oil.

Is PU leather waterproof?

PU leather, being made of synthetic materials, is likewise water resistant but only to a certain degree. It can withstand light spills, but prolonged water contact may lead to damage.

Does PU leather peel or crack?

One of the benefits of using PU leather is that it can still peel and crack even if it is old and has been exposed to a lot of heat and humidity or has been cared for in the wrong way. With regular cleaning and proper protection, the material will not be damaged.

How to Check the Quality of PU Leather?

Real leather has a natural smell, with genuine leather being more odorous, while the plastic scent characterizes the unattainable smell of PU leather. Thereby, you may easily tell the two synthetic products apart. If you recognize a strong plastic smell, the item is, for sure, PU leather as the only kind that smells like plastic or chemicals, not natural, is PU leather.

How long can PU leather last?

PU leather can last up to 3 to 5 years with the correct care, but actually, it can last for many more years. High-quality PU leather will last longer than poor-quality leather.