Faux Leather Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (PU (Polyurethane), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), and Bio-based), By Application (Footwear, Automotive, Furniture, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global faux leather market size was valued at USD 35.62 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 36.46 billion in 2024 to USD 57.94 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.96% during the forecast period. North America dominated the faux leather market with a market share of 32.73% in 2023.

Faux leather, also known as artificial leather, synthetic leather, or vegan leather, is an artificial material crafted to replicate the appearance and texture of real leather. They are typically produced from a variety of synthetic materials, including polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and natural materials, such as cork or kelp. Besides, with growing awareness about the environmental impact of traditional leather production, which involves the use of chemicals and animal farming, consumers are increasingly turning to vegan leather as a more sustainable option. Moreover, innovations in materials science and manufacturing processes have led to the development of high-quality artificial leather that closely recreates the look and feel of genuine leather. These advancements have also contributed to making vegan leather more durable and versatile, suitable for a wide range of applications. These factors contribute to the faux leather market’s growth. For instance, in December 2023, Gucci, a popular luxury fashion brand, launched vegan Horsebit bags produced with animal-free alternatives. Through this product launch, the company has been aiming towards attaining sustainable business practices in terms of expanding its fashion accessories product portfolio.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many industries, the faux leather market also experienced disruptions in the logistic network due to lockdowns, restrictions on movement, and factory closures. This led to halts in production and distribution, affecting the availability of vegan leather products. However, there was a shift in consumer behavior toward online shopping and e-commerce platforms due to safety concerns and restrictions on physical retail stores. This shift benefited the artificial leather market as consumers sought eco-friendly and affordable alternatives to genuine leather, leading to an increase in online sales of vegan leather products.

Faux Leather Market Trends

Rising Demand for Sustainable Leather Goods to Strengthen Market Growth

Artificial leather offers a cruelty-free and environmentally friendly alternative to genuine leather. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact, they are increasingly turning to sustainable materials, such as vegan leather that does not involve the use of animal hides. Also, the production of vegan leather typically requires fewer natural resources compared to genuine leather. Besides, artificial leather manufacturing processes consume less water, energy, and land, and they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and waste products. This aspect attracts environmentally conscious consumers who are concerned about resource conservation and climate change. For instance, in December 2023, NUPELLE, a sustainable vegan leather company, introduced an eco-friendly vegan leather product ‘Panex’. This is a new bio-based leather made with pineapple and designed to provide a variety of sustainable options for the fashion industry.

Faux Leather Market Growth Factors

Increasing Concerns About Animal Cruelty in Fashion and Textile Industries to Propel Market Growth

Vegan leather provides consumers with a cruelty-free alternative to genuine leather. The production of genuine leather involves the use of animal hides, which raises ethical concerns about animal welfare, including issues such as factory farming, slaughter practices, and mistreatment of animals. Moreover, as awareness of animal welfare issues grows, more consumers are aligning their purchasing decisions with their ethical values. Many individuals prefer to support brands and products that prioritize animal welfare and sustainability. Therefore, concerns about animal cruelty have prompted greater transparency and accountability within the fashion and textile industries, leading to market development. For instance, in November 2022, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a non-profit corporation dedicated to animal rights in the U.S., initiated the Vegan Wool Challenge. This challenge urges designers and researchers to create a vegan substitute for sheep's wool with a reduced environmental footprint. The competition offers a prize of USD 1 million to the first participant who successfully develops a bio-based or bioengineered material that mirrors the appearance, texture, and functionality of wool.

Growing Preference Toward Customization and Versatility of Faux Leather Goods to Accelerate Product Demand

Faux leather can be manufactured in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, offering designers and consumers greater freedom for customization. This versatility allows the creation of unique and innovative products tailored to individual preferences and trends. Therefore, the flexibility provided by artificial leather makes it suitable for various industries beyond fashion, including automotive, furniture, interior design, and accessories. Besides, customization options empower consumers to personalize their vegan leather goods according to their style, preferences, and lifestyle, driving market enhancement. For instance, in April 2023, General Silicones (GS), a popular producer of silicone products, launched a new technology, ‘Compo-SiL, ' to manufacture a series of silicon vegan leather products. This technology is used for producing PETA-approved silicon leather combined with customizable fabric lining. This leather can be used to manufacture different types of products, including bags, shoes, wallets, covers, and other vegan leather products.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Perception and Quality Concerns About Faux Leather May Restrain Market Expansion

Vegan leather's replication of genuine leather may be perceived as inauthentic or artificial by some consumers. Despite advancements in artificial leather technology, some consumers still perceive genuine leather as a superior and more luxurious material. This preference for genuine leather, based on its perceived quality, durability, and status, can lead consumers to overlook synthetic leather alternatives. Furthermore, consumers may be concerned about the breathability, comfort, and aging characteristics of artificial leather compared to genuine leather. These factors may hinder the faux leather market growth during the forecast period.

Faux Leather Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Durability and Affordability Feature of PU (Polyurethane) Boost Segment’s Evolution

On the basis of type, the market is segmented into PU (Polyurethane), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), and bio-based.

The PU (Polyurethane) segment is expected to lead the market, owing to its affordability and durability features. PU leather goods are often more affordable than genuine leather products. This lower price point makes them accessible to a broader range of consumers, avoiding the extra cost associated with original leather products. Additionally, high-quality PU faux leather can offer durability and performance comparable to genuine leather, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

The PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is also anticipated to capture a considerable share in the coming years. PVC leather goods can be produced in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, offering consumers plenty of options. This variety allows for the creation of artificial leather goods that replace the original leather goods, along with more unique designs.

By Application Analysis

Long-lasting Performance Provided by Vegan Leather Intensifies Segment’s Enlargement

Under application, the market has been divided into footwear, automotive, furniture and others.

The footwear segment is predicted to dominate the faux leather market share during the forecast period. High-quality vegan leather can provide durability and wear resistance comparable to original leather. It can resist daily wear and tear, offering long-lasting performance and maintaining its appearance over time. This durability is essential for footwear, which undergoes frequent use and exposure to various environmental conditions.

The automotive segment is also expected to grasp a considerable share of the market in the near term. Artificial leather allows carmakers to achieve the luxurious appearance and feel of leather interiors without the higher cost associated with original leather. Moreover, PU leather is often treated to resist scratches, stains, and UV damage, making it suitable for use in car interiors.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Based on geography, the global market of faux leather is divided into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America is expected to be the leading region, with a market share of 32.74%. Recently, there has been a growing demand for vegan leather goods in countries, such as the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The growth of e-commerce platforms in North America has made it easier for consumers to access artificial leather goods online. The ease of online purchasing, combined with the availability of diverse product offerings and competitive pricing, contributed to the growing demand for artificial leather goods in the region. For instance, in February 2024, the Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce revealed that the estimated U.S. retail e-commerce sales for the fourth quarter of 2023 amounted to USD 285.20 billion, marking a 0.8% uptick from the third quarter of the same year.

Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles in Asian countries have contributed to a change in consumer preferences towards fashionable products. For instance, according to the United Nations, in January 2023, cities of Asia Pacific have been growing at a fast rate, and approximately 55% of the region’s population is anticipated to reside in urban areas by 2030. Furthermore, artificial leather goods, such as handbags, shoes, and accessories, are often perceived as stylish and affordable alternatives to genuine leather goods. This, in turn, caters to the growing demand of the fashion-conscious urban population in Asia Pacific.

Europe has a well-developed retail infrastructure, including physical stores and e-commerce platforms for artificial leather items. The accessibility of these products through various retail and distribution channels contributes to their growing popularity among European consumers. Besides, the European Union has implemented regulations and standards aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of consumer products. This regulatory framework encourages the use of eco-friendly materials, driving the demand for artificial leather goods in the region. For instance, the EU Leather Labelling Law covers the regulations required for the leatherwear and footwear industry in Europe. The industries must follow the basic labeling requirements (material description, written indications of leather, care label, user instructions, and others) for textile and leather footwear products.

The artificial leather industry in South America has experienced notable growth and innovation in recent years. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to improve the quality, durability, and sustainability of artificial leather products, thereby fostering market growth.

On the other hand, the hot and arid climate prevalent in many parts of the MEA region makes genuine leather products less practical due to their susceptibility to heat and humidity. Artificial leather is more resistant to moisture and fading, making it suitable for the local climate conditions in the region. For instance, as per the research paper published in July 2023 by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a private non-profit organization dealing with international affairs, temperatures in the MEA are currently significantly higher than the global average, with extreme heatwaves surpassing 50 degrees Celsius recorded in 2021 in Iran, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

List of Key Companies in Faux Leather Market

Technological Development in Vegan Leather Production to Amplify Market Growth

Technological advancements enable manufacturers to produce faux leather that closely resembles original leather in terms of appearance and texture. Advanced techniques, such as 3D printing, embossing, and surface treatmentss allow for the creation of artificial leather with intricate details and realistic grain patterns. Furthermore, manufacturers can experiment with new materials, finishes, and manufacturing techniques to create unique and innovative artificial leather products. This continuous innovation drives consumer interest and market growth by offering fresh and exciting alternatives to traditional leather goods. For instance, in October 2023, the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), an Indian research institute, showcased a pioneering technology capable of producing vegan leather from agricultural residues. This innovation presents an industry-ready substitute for both animal and synthetic leather, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• Anli (Vietnam) Material Technology Company Limited (Vietnam)


• BASF (Germany)


• Adams Plastics (U.S.)


• Konrad Hornschuch AG (Germany)


• Penche Faux Leather (Turkey)


• Bridge Synthetic Leather Co., Ltd. (China)


• Hantron Plastic Products Co., Ltd. (China)


• Responsive Industries Ltd. (India)


• Supreme Creations Ltd. (India)


• ISA Industrial Ltd. (China)


• Antilotex Flock Italia S.r.l. (Italy)


• Giriraj Coated Fab PVT. LTD. (India)


• WENZHOU DONGSHANG INTERNATIONAL TRADE CO., LTD. (China)


• Taiwan PU Corporation (China)


• McLaren Leather (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• February 2024 – Anita Dongre, a famous Indian designer, introduced a range of plant-based vegan leather accessories. With the launch of this new collection of vegan products, the designer aims to attain sustainable business practices.


• April 2023 – General Silicones (GS), a Taiwanese company specializing in silicone products, unveiled its newest offering, the Compo-SiL (SL series) silicone vegan leather. The SL series, approved by PETA, caters to manufacturers in need of vegan leather supplies for a range of consumer goods, including bags, backpacks, shoes, wallets, belts, book bindings, and covers, complete with factory-applied fabric lining.


• January 2023 – FOReT, a Denmark-based sustainable fashion brand, launched a range of vegan jewelry for men. The new collection features wraps, cuffs, bracelets, wristbands, and rings.


• February 2022 – Puma SE, a German-based multinational corporation, launched its first Puma King football shoe, ‘The King Platinum 21 Vegan’, manufactured from animal-free ingredients.


• January 2022 – Veganologie, a sustainable fashion brand, unveiled accessories, handbags, and wallets produced from recycled materials. The interiors are crafted from PU leather and vegan suede, both derived from recycled plastic bottles, while any hardware utilized is composed of fully recyclable zinc alloy.

REPORT COVERAGE

The faux leather report analyzes the market in depth and highlights crucial aspects, such as prominent companies, product types, sales channels, and application usage areas. Besides this, it provides insights into market trends and highlights significant industry developments. In addition to the aspects mentioned earlier, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market's growth over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation