Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market Size Study, by Type (PU, PVC, Bio-based) by Application (Footwear, Automotive, Furnishing, Clothing, Wallets, Bags & Purses) and Regional Forecasts 2022-2032

Description

The Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market is currently valued at USD 38.98 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.87% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2032, ultimately reaching USD 77.08 billion by 2032. With consumers and industries alike shifting towards sustainable, cruelty-free, and cost-effective alternatives, polyurethane (PU) synthetic leather has emerged as a highly preferred material in various applications, ranging from automotive upholstery and fashion apparel to footwear and furnishing.

The increasing demand for durable, aesthetically appealing, and functional synthetic materials has propelled PU synthetic leather into mainstream markets. As environmental concerns heighten, PU-based leather is gaining prominence over polyvinyl chloride (PVC) synthetic leather, which traditionally contains harmful plasticizers and produces toxic emissions during manufacturing. Additionally, bio-based polyurethane leather, derived from plant oils and biodegradable sources, is rapidly gaining traction as industries align with global sustainability goals. The ability of synthetic leather to mimic the texture, flexibility, and durability of genuine leather-while eliminating animal cruelty and high production costs-has positioned it as an integral component in modern material innovation.

Furthermore, continuous technological advancements in polyurethane coatings have significantly enhanced the durability, water resistance, and breathability of synthetic leather. Major fashion brands, automotive manufacturers, and furniture producers are investing heavily in research & development (R&D) to improve PU-based leather alternatives, ensuring they meet performance expectations while reducing environmental footprints. As consumer preferences shift towards vegan-friendly and cruelty-free products, PU synthetic leather is playing a pivotal role in reshaping industry standards.

The automotive sector has been a key growth driver in this market, with PU synthetic leather being widely used in vehicle interiors, seats, dashboards, and steering wheels. The footwear industry also remains a significant consumer of synthetic leather, given its cost-effectiveness, lightweight properties, and ability to be molded into different textures and finishes. Additionally, furnishing and apparel industries continue to incorporate PU synthetic leather into sofas, handbags, and high-end clothing due to its premium feel and long-lasting quality.

Geographically, Asia-Pacific dominates the Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market, with China, India, and South Korea leading in both production and consumption. The region benefits from low raw material costs, increasing disposable incomes, and a thriving fashion industry. Meanwhile, North America and Europe are experiencing a surge in demand due to stringent sustainability regulations and consumer preferences for vegan-friendly alternatives. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are also emerging as potential markets, fueled by growing urbanization, expanding retail sectors, and increased interest in eco-friendly materials.

Major market players included in this report are:

Toray Industries, Inc.
Kuraray Co., Ltd.
San Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
Teijin Limited
Nan Ya Plastics Corporation
Alfatex Italia SRL
Mayur Uniquoters Limited
Zhejiang Hexin Industry Group Co., Ltd.
Yantai Wanhua Synthetic Leather Group Co., Ltd.
Filwel Co. Ltd.
Anhui Anli Material Technology Co., Ltd.
Duksung Co. Ltd.
Fujian Polytech Technology Corp., Ltd.
BASF SE
Covestro AG

The detailed segments and sub-segments of the market are explained below:

By Type:

PU (Polyurethane)
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Bio-based

By Application:

Footwear
Automotive
Furnishing
Clothing
Wallets, Bags & Purses

By Region:

North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
UK
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

Years considered for the study are as follows:

Historical Year: 2022, 2023
Base Year: 2023
Forecast Period: 2024-2032

Key Takeaways:

Market estimates & forecasts for 10 years from 2022 to 2032.
Annualized revenue projections with detailed regional-level analysis.
Comprehensive analysis of geographical markets with country-specific insights.
Competitive landscape with in-depth profiling of key players.
Strategic recommendations and insights into evolving market trends.
Demand-side and supply-side analysis to understand the industry dynamics.

Chapter 1. Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market Executive Summary

1.1. Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market Size & Forecast (2022-2032)
1.2. Regional Summary
1.3. Segmental Summary
- 1.3.1. By Type
  - PU (Polyurethane)
  - PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
  - Bio-based
- 1.3.2. By Application
  - Footwear
  - Automotive
  - Furnishing
  - Clothing
  - Wallets, Bags & Purses
1.4. Key Trends
1.5. Recession Impact
1.6. Analyst Recommendation & Conclusion

Chapter 2. Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market Definition and Research Assumptions

2.1. Research Objective
2.2. Market Definition
2.3. Research Assumptions
- 2.3.1. Inclusion & Exclusion
- 2.3.2. Limitations
- 2.3.3. Supply Side Analysis
  - 2.3.3.1. Availability
  - 2.3.3.2. Infrastructure
  - 2.3.3.3. Regulatory Environment
  - 2.3.3.4. Market Competition
  - 2.3.3.5. Economic Viability (Consumer's Perspective)
- 2.3.4. Demand Side Analysis
  - 2.3.4.1. Regulatory Frameworks
  - 2.3.4.2. Technological Advancements
  - 2.3.4.3. Environmental Considerations
  - 2.3.4.4. Consumer Awareness & Acceptance
2.4. Estimation Methodology
2.5. Years Considered for the Study
2.6. Currency Conversion Rates

Chapter 3. Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market Dynamics

3.1. Market Drivers
- 3.1.1. Rising Demand for Durable and Aesthetic Synthetic Materials
- 3.1.2. Environmental Concerns Favoring PU over PVC
- 3.1.3. Advancements in Polyurethane Coatings Technology
- 3.1.4. Increased Investment in R&D by Major Brands
- 3.1.5. Growth of Bio-based Polyurethane Synthetic Leather
3.2. Market Challenges
- 3.2.1. High Production Costs of PU Synthetic Leather
- 3.2.2. Regulatory Hurdles for Sustainable Production
- 3.2.3. Intense Competition from Alternative Materials
3.3. Market Opportunities
- 3.3.1. Expansion into Emerging Economies
- 3.3.2. Innovation in Bio-based PU Synthetic Leather
- 3.3.3. Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
- 3.3.4. Growth in Automotive and Footwear Sectors
- 3.3.5. Increasing Demand in Furnishing and Apparel Industries

Chapter 4. Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market Industry Analysis

4.1. Porter's 5 Force Model
- 4.1.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.1.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 4.1.3. Threat of New Entrants
- 4.1.4. Threat of Substitutes
- 4.1.5. Competitive Rivalry
- 4.1.6. Futuristic Approach to Porter's 5 Force Model
- 4.1.7. Porter's 5 Force Impact Analysis
4.2. PESTEL Analysis
- 4.2.1. Political
- 4.2.2. Economical
- 4.2.3. Social
- 4.2.4. Technological
- 4.2.5. Environmental
- 4.2.6. Legal
4.3. Top Investment Opportunities
4.4. Top Winning Strategies
4.5. Disruptive Trends
4.6. Industry Expert Perspective
4.7. Analyst Recommendation & Conclusion

Chapter 5. Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market Size & Forecasts by Type 2022-2032

5.1. Segment Dashboard
5.2. Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market: Type Revenue Trend Analysis, 2022 & 2032 (USD Million/Billion)
- 5.2.1. PU (Polyurethane)
- 5.2.2. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- 5.2.3. Bio-based
- 5.2.4. Others

Chapter 6. Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market Size & Forecasts by Application 2022-2032

6.1. Segment Dashboard
6.2. Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market: Application Revenue Trend Analysis, 2022 & 2032 (USD Million/Billion)
- 6.2.1. Footwear
- 6.2.2. Automotive
- 6.2.3. Furnishing
- 6.2.4. Clothing
- 6.2.5. Wallets, Bags & Purses

Chapter 7. Global Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market Size & Forecasts by Region 2022-2032

7.1. North America Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.1.1. U.S. Synthetic Leather Market
  - 7.1.1.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2022-2032
  - 7.1.1.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2022-2032
- 7.1.2. Canada Synthetic Leather Market
  - 7.1.2.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2022-2032
  - 7.1.2.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2022-2032
7.2. Europe Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.2.1. UK Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.2.2. Germany Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.2.3. France Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.2.4. Spain Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.2.5. Italy Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.2.6. Rest of Europe Synthetic Leather Market
7.3. Asia-Pacific Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.3.1. China Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.3.2. India Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.3.3. Japan Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.3.4. Australia Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.3.5. South Korea Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.3.6. Rest of Asia-Pacific Synthetic Leather Market
7.4. Latin America Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.4.1. Brazil Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.4.2. Mexico Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.4.3. Rest of Latin America Synthetic Leather Market
7.5. Middle East & Africa Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.5.1. Saudi Arabia Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.5.2. South Africa Synthetic Leather Market
- 7.5.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa Synthetic Leather Market

Chapter 8. Competitive Intelligence

8.1. Key Company SWOT Analysis
- 8.1.1. Toray Industries, Inc.
  - 8.1.1.1. Strengths
  - 8.1.1.2. Weaknesses
  - 8.1.1.3. Opportunities
  - 8.1.1.4. Threats
- 8.1.2. Kuraray Co., Ltd.
  - 8.1.2.1. Strengths
  - 8.1.2.2. Weaknesses
  - 8.1.2.3. Opportunities
  - 8.1.2.4. Threats
- 8.1.3. San Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
  - 8.1.3.1. Strengths
  - 8.1.3.2. Weaknesses
  - 8.1.3.3. Opportunities
  - 8.1.3.4. Threats
8.2. Top Market Strategies
8.3. Company Profiles
- 8.3.1. Toray Industries, Inc.
  - 8.3.1.1. Key Information
  - 8.3.1.2. Overview
  - 8.3.1.3. Financial (Subject to Data Availability)
  - 8.3.1.4. Product Summary
  - 8.3.1.5. Market Strategies
- 8.3.2. Kuraray Co., Ltd.
- 8.3.3. San Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
- 8.3.4. Teijin Limited
- 8.3.5. Nan Ya Plastics Corporation
- 8.3.6. Alfatex Italia SRL
- 8.3.7. Mayur Uniquoters Limited
- 8.3.8. Zhejiang Hexin Industry Group Co., Ltd.
- 8.3.9. Yantai Wanhua Synthetic Leather Group Co., Ltd.
- 8.3.10. Filwel Co. Ltd.
- 8.3.11. Anhui Anli Material Technology Co., Ltd.
- 8.3.12. Duksung Co. Ltd.
- 8.3.13. Fujian Polytech Technology Corp., Ltd.
- 8.3.14. BASF SE
- 8.3.15. Covestro AG
8.4. Competitive Landscape Evaluation
8.5. Analyst Recommendation & Conclusion

Chapter 9. Research Process

9.1. Research Process
- 9.1.1. Data Mining
- 9.1.2. Analysis
- 9.1.3. Market Estimation
- 9.1.4. Validation
- 9.1.5. Publishing
9.2. Research Attributes