what is pu leather

The fashion industry has a reputation for being one of the least environmentally friendly industries in the world. In fact, it’s a major contributor of waste to landfills, greenhouse gases, water pollution, and air pollution. One way to help reduce your footprint on Earth is by choosing sustainable materials. Products made from vegan leather, specifically PU leather, could be one of those materials. This innovative and sustainable material is the perfect way to make fashion choices that don't come at the cost of the environment.

But what exactly is PU leather? And why should you care about it? In this post, we'll explain everything you need to know about PU leather and why we chose to use it for our products. So if you're looking for a way to make your fashion choices more sustainable, read on and learn why PU leather is the way to go!

What is PU leather?

pu leather

Image by rawpixel.com via Freepik

PU leather (polyurethane leather) is a synthetic material that is made from a combination of synthetic polymers and natural products. It is often used to replace animal leather, making it a more sustainable and ethical material choice. This alternative is becoming increasingly popular due to its versatility, durability, and affordability. Also, PU leather is much more resistant to water and other liquids than traditional leather, so your products will last much longer.

PU leather is also easier to take care of than real leather because it doesn't need as much care or special treatment. It is also more flexible than regular leather and can be dyed in various colors and finishes, making it a great choice for a wide variety of fashion products.

The environmental benefits of PU leather should not be overlooked either. It is much more eco-friendly than traditional leather, as it doesn't require the use of harmful chemicals and toxic dyes. Also, making PU leather uses fewer resources than traditional leather, making it a better choice for the environment.

PU leather is a great alternative to real leather, and it is becoming more and more popular in the fashion world. While it is not perfect, it is certainly a step in the right direction for those looking for a more ethical and sustainable option for their fashion products.

Why do we use PU leather?

Image: Retro Groovy Rays Tote Bag via raianasvibes.com

All our boots and bags are crafted from high-grade PU leather, a vegan alternative to traditional animal hide. It's free of nasty chemicals like phthalates, so it's good for people who care about their health. It also feels like real leather because it's soft and light, and it's very resistant to water damage. What's more? It is much easier to clean than other synthetic materials, such as PVC or polyester. As an environmentally friendly option for making furniture and clothing items that outmatch both real skin and artificial alternatives, why would you settle for anything less?

Synthetic leathers are the perfect match for your outdoor wardrobe, from raincoats to boots and even bags. Their durability and resistance to water make them ideal in wet conditions without fear of deterioration! Plus, PU-based products are also stain-resistant, so you don't need to worry about that morning coffee spill. We'll give some tips on how to best care for this resilient fabric soon.

Tips and tricks to clean and maintain PU leather

 
Image: Retro Groovy Rays Tote Bag via raianasvibes.com

PU leather is a great material, but even the best of us won't last forever. To make your favorite bag or boots stick around for some time longer, give them extra love and attention!

First, all our bags come in dust bags. Keep those bags! Dust bags literally keep your bag safe from the dust, out of the sun, and protected from any scratches that can occur in the wardrobe. If you don't have a dust bag, a pillowcase will do just fine! 

If you're looking for a way to keep your bag in perfect shape, try using the original stuffing it comes with. That's not always an option, though; if there is no more stuffing, never fear! Use alternative materials like fabric or clear paper instead - just be sure to avoid using newspaper, as that could taint the material on the inside of your beautiful bag.

Keep your bags and boots in tip-top shape with the proper cleaning routine! A soft microfiber cloth, warm water, and dish soap are all you need. But be warned: hot water or harsh solutions can dry out material, causing it to crack or fade its color. Also, it's important to let synthetic leather items completely dry out in the air before putting them away. If they don't, moisture can cause bacteria and mold to grow if they stay wet for too long.

For tough stains, a 50/50 vinegar and water solution is your best friend; it's safe to use on synthetic leather without fear of damage. Not only does this mixture work wonders for cleaning the exterior and interior of handbags, but its natural odor-removing properties can help eliminate any unwanted smells.

Lastly, protect your bag and boots from the elements by finding a home for them in a place that's cool, dry, and dark. Direct sunlight is especially damaging; even beams of light can cause cracks over time.

 Image: Retro Brown Daisy Mod Combat Boots via raianasvibes.com

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of why we chose to use PU leather and how it allows us to create beautiful products that are better for our planet. If you have any other great tips on how to care for your vegan leather goods, share them with us in the comments! 

March 13, 2023 — Jana Helandi