Synthetic leather, also known as artificial or faux leather, is a material intended to substitute for leather in fields such as upholstery, clothing, and other uses where a leather finish is desired and the actual material is cost-prohibitive or unsuitable. Synthetic leather is produced using polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC, also known as vinyl), and newer environmentally friendly materials. These materials are engineered to mimic the texture, color, and consistency of genuine leather without the ethical and sustainability issues associated with animal leather. Increasing consumer awareness and preference for animal-free products is leading to higher demand for vegan leather, subsequently driving the market growth. Environmental concerns regarding the disposal and recyclability of synthetic leather, particularly PVC-based products, hamper the growth of the market. The growing development of bio-based and recycled materials to produce eco-friendly synthetic leather is expected to create opportunities for market growth.
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