Which Option Is Best For The Environment?

Because PU leather is often made from plastic polymers, it can be recycled in some cases. Depending on the production process, Weller says it can be less chemically intense than some natural leather processes and may use fewer resources to make.

“From this more idealistic perspective, PU leather can be made cheaper and faster,” he says. “In another case, it’s made from plastic (a petroleum product), the extraction and use of which in the production of the material has a negative impact on the environment.”

Unlike genuine leather, polyurethane leather does not require tanning. Tanning is a process that can create pollution from the ammonia and chromium used to make it, so this is also a plus.