What Is PVC Leather Made Of?

PVC leather, also known as polyvinyl chloride leather or vinyl leather, is created by coating a base fabric—usually polyester, cotton, or non-woven fabric—with layers of PVC resin and plasticizers.
This process gives the material its signature flexibility and strength.
The result is a fabric that looks and feels like genuine leather but offers better resistance to water, stains, and aging.

The type and quality of plasticizers determine the softness and elasticity of the leather. Modern formulations often use non-toxic, phthalate-free plasticizers that comply with international environmental standards such as REACH and RoHS.

How Is PVC Leather Manufactured?

The production process of PVC leather typically includes the following steps:

1. Mixing – PVC resin, plasticizers, stabilizers, and color pigments are combined to form a uniform paste.

2. Coating – The paste is evenly spread onto a fabric base using techniques such as knife coating or lamination.

3. Gelling and Embossing – The coated fabric passes through heating rollers to form the final structure and texture pattern.

4. Cooling and Finishing – The leather is cooled, trimmed, and surface-treated for gloss, matte, or special effects.

Advanced factories like ZD Leather also add performance additives such as antioxidants, light stabilizers, anti-static agents, and anti-mold agents to improve the product’s stability and lifespan.

What Are the Key Features of PVC Leather?

PVC synthetic leather offers a balanced combination of performance, durability, and affordability.
Key advantages include:

• Waterproof and Easy to Clean – Ideal for humid environments or outdoor furniture.

• Durable and Abrasion-Resistant – Resists cracking, peeling, and stretching.

• Flame-Retardant and UV-Resistant – Enhanced by stabilizers and protective coatings.

• Color and Texture Versatility – Supports hundreds of embossing patterns and shades.

• Cost-Effective – Lower production cost compared to PU and genuine leather.

In addition, the use of antioxidants prevents material aging, while HALS light stabilizers reduce yellowing and fading under sunlight — making PVC leather suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

PVC Leather vs PU Leather: What’s the Difference?

In short, PVC leather is the better option for heavy-duty or outdoor use, while PU leather fits better for products that require softness and breathability.

Is PVC Leather Safe and Eco-Friendly?

Yes — modern PVC leather is safe and compliant when produced under proper conditions.
ZD Leather uses eco-friendly materials that meet international environmental standards.
We strictly avoid harmful plasticizers and use non-toxic stabilizers to ensure product safety.

In addition, our materials can pass REACH, RoHS, and EN71 testing.
With advanced antioxidant and light stabilizer systems, our PVC leather products remain durable while minimizing emissions during production.

Where Is PVC Leather Commonly Used?

PVC synthetic leather is one of the most versatile materials in the artificial leather industry.
It’s widely used in:

• Furniture Upholstery – Sofas, chairs, and headboards.

• Automotive Interiors – Car seats, door panels, dashboards.

• Luggage and Bags – Durable, waterproof exteriors.

• Footwear and Fashion – Shoes, belts, and wallets.

• Public Seating and Marine Uses – Fire-retardant and UV-resistant applications.

Each use benefits from different combinations of base fabric, surface treatment, and performance additives.

Why Choose ZD Leather as Your PVC Leather Supplier?

ZD Leather, established in 2009, is a professional PVC synthetic leather manufacturer based in Zhejiang, China.
With over 16 years of experience, our factory specializes in producing high-performance artificial leather that meets global standards.

We offer:

• Customizable options for color, texture, thickness, and surface finish.

• Professional testing reports (anti-aging, abrasion, UV, flame resistance).

• Flexible MOQs: from 1 meter for stock items to 500 meters per color for custom orders.

• Stable export capability to markets including Vietnam, the USA, Yemen, Angola, and Africa.

Conclusion

PVC leather combines beauty, strength, and cost-efficiency — making it an excellent choice for furniture, automotive, and fashion brands worldwide.
When you import from a reliable factory like ZD Leather, you get not only quality products but also dependable service, technical expertise, and environmentally responsible materials.