Artificial Leather is also known as imitation leather or “faux leather” by the French. A coated fabric, rubber, plastic composition, or absorbent paper manufactured to resemble genuine leather. Sometimes it is challenging to distinguish well-made faux leather covers from real ones without optical glass help. Some experienced booksellers even recommend using one’s nose…
It also called PU leather, is a material intended to substitute for leather in upholstery, clothing, footwear, and other uses where a leather-like finish is required, but the material is lower in quality. Artificial leather is marketed under many names, including “leatherette,” “faux leather,” “vegan leather,” “PU leather,” and “pleather.”
Moreover, Artificial leather is manufactured from a wide range of polymers, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), and polyvinyl chloride acetate (PVAc), and is sometimes manufactured from other plastics. The material is produced in a variety of finishes, with the two most common being embossed grain and smooth.
Artificial leather has many applications, but it is most commonly used in the book and publishing industry. It is often used as a binding material for hardcover books, as well as for book covers and dust jackets. It is also commonly used to make bookmarks, bookplates, and other book-related items.
While it can be made to look and feel like natural leather, it does not have the same durability. Synthetic leather is also not as breathable as genuine leather, making it uncomfortable to use for long periods.
Some artificial leathers are made to look like particular types of leather, such as crocodile skin or suede. However, most artificial leathers do not have the same physical properties as natural leather.
Despite this, many are still interested in using this material because of its availability and price. It is also vegan-friendly and does not require the same level of care as real leather.