Global Synthetic Leather Market 2025-2035
Description
Synthetic Leather Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Polyurethane (PU) Leather, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Leather, Bio-Based Leather) By Application (Footwear, Automotive, Furnishing, Clothing, Bags & Wallets, and Others) by End User (Fashion, Automotive, Furniture, Sports, Electronics, and Others) Forecast Period (2025-2035)
Industry Overview
Global synthetic leather market was valued at $41.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $91.2 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period (2025–2035). Synthetic leather, a versatile alternative to natural leather, is widely used across footwear, automotive, furnishing, clothing, and accessories due to its cost-effectiveness, durability, and environmentally conscious production methods. The high cost of natural leather is another factor that has driven the need for natural leather replacements. PVC leather is another essential type of synthetic leather that has grown in popularity due to its diverse variety of uses, which include shopping bags, cosmetic bags, wallets, suitcases, purses, and travel bags. It is used in various applications, including fabrics, footwear, clothing, upholstery, and others, where a leather-like finish is required, and the material is unusable, unsuitable, and cost-prohibitive. The production process has evolved over the past few years for the shell coating to go on top of the synthetic polymer blend.
Market Dynamics
Rising Demand for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Alternatives
The growing consumer preference for cruelty-free and environmentally sustainable products is boosting adoption of PU and bio-based synthetic leather. Companies are investing in biodegradable and water-based production technologies to reduce carbon footprint and attract environmentally conscious consumers.
Technological Advancements in Synthetic Leather Production
Innovations in polymer technology, surface finishing, and embossing techniques are enhancing durability, texture, and aesthetic appeal of synthetic leather. Advanced coatings and nanotechnology integration allow synthetic leather to mimic the look and feel of genuine leather while improving water resistance and scratch protection.
Growth in Automotive and Footwear Applications
Synthetic leather is increasingly used in vehicle interiors, seating, and steering wheels, driven by demand for lightweight, durable, and low-maintenance materials. Similarly, the footwear sector leverages synthetic leather for cost-effective, stylish, and sustainable shoe designs.
Expansion of E-Commerce and Fashion Retail
The rise of online retail platforms has increased the accessibility and demand for synthetic leather products globally. Fast fashion brands and e-commerce platforms are driving demand for affordable and trendy synthetic leather goods, particularly in emerging markets.
Stringent Environmental Regulations and Policies
Government regulations limiting the use of animal-derived leather and promoting sustainable alternatives are compelling manufacturers to innovate and expand synthetic leather production. Compliance with chemical and environmental standards is becoming critical for global market growth.
Market Segmentation
The Automotive segment represents the largest segment in the global synthetic leather market, holding the major share. This dominance is primarily driven by the growing demand for high-quality, durable, and eco-friendly interior materials for vehicles. Synthetic leather is increasingly replacing natural leather in car seats, dashboards, steering wheels, and door panels due to its cost-effectiveness, resistance to wear and tear, and easier maintenance. Additionally, the push for sustainable and vegan alternatives in the automotive industry is boosting the adoption of synthetic leather. The segment’s growth is further reinforced by rising vehicle production globally, particularly in emerging markets, and increasing consumer preference for luxury finishes without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional leather.
Polyurethane (PU) Leather Key Segment in Market Growth
By type, the global synthetic leather market is segmented into polyurethane (PU) Leather, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leather, and bio-based leather, with PU leather currently holding the share. PU leather dominates due to its superior flexibility, durability, and realistic leather-like texture, making it highly preferred in applications such as footwear, fashion accessories, and automotive interiors. PU leather also offers environmental advantages compared to PVC leather, as it is less toxic and more recyclable, which aligns with global sustainability initiatives.
Regional Outlook
The global synthetic leather market is further divided by region, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).
India’s Market Expands Rapidly in Asia-Pacific
India is emerging as a high-growth market for synthetic leather in the Asia-Pacific region. The country’s growing automotive, footwear, and fashion industries, along with rising awareness of eco-friendly and cruelty-free alternatives, are driving demand. Domestic manufacturers are increasingly investing in PU and PVC leather technologies, while government initiatives supporting Make-in-India and sustainable manufacturing practices provide additional growth momentum. The expanding middle-class population and rising consumption of fashion and lifestyle products further bolster India’s market position.
North America Maintains Strong Market Position
North America holds a significant share of the global synthetic leather market. The US holds a major share of the global Synthetic Leather market, leading the region in terms of production, consumption, and technological advancements. The country’s dominance is driven by a well-established automotive sector, robust footwear and fashion industries, and a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Strong investments in research and development by key market players, along with innovations in polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leather production, support the country’s competitive edge. Moreover, increasing consumer preference for high-quality, durable, and vegan alternatives to natural leather further boosts market adoption. The presence of major synthetic leather manufacturers, advanced production facilities, and efficient supply chain networks contribute to maintaining the United States’ leadership position in the global market.
Market Players Outlook
The major companies operating in the global synthetic leather market include Kuraray Co., Ltd. , Mayur Uniquoters Ltd., Nan Ya Plastics Corp., San Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Teijin Ltd., among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments
Industry Overview
Global synthetic leather market was valued at $41.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $91.2 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period (2025–2035). Synthetic leather, a versatile alternative to natural leather, is widely used across footwear, automotive, furnishing, clothing, and accessories due to its cost-effectiveness, durability, and environmentally conscious production methods. The high cost of natural leather is another factor that has driven the need for natural leather replacements. PVC leather is another essential type of synthetic leather that has grown in popularity due to its diverse variety of uses, which include shopping bags, cosmetic bags, wallets, suitcases, purses, and travel bags. It is used in various applications, including fabrics, footwear, clothing, upholstery, and others, where a leather-like finish is required, and the material is unusable, unsuitable, and cost-prohibitive. The production process has evolved over the past few years for the shell coating to go on top of the synthetic polymer blend.
Market Dynamics
Rising Demand for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Alternatives
The growing consumer preference for cruelty-free and environmentally sustainable products is boosting adoption of PU and bio-based synthetic leather. Companies are investing in biodegradable and water-based production technologies to reduce carbon footprint and attract environmentally conscious consumers.
Technological Advancements in Synthetic Leather Production
Innovations in polymer technology, surface finishing, and embossing techniques are enhancing durability, texture, and aesthetic appeal of synthetic leather. Advanced coatings and nanotechnology integration allow synthetic leather to mimic the look and feel of genuine leather while improving water resistance and scratch protection.
Growth in Automotive and Footwear Applications
Synthetic leather is increasingly used in vehicle interiors, seating, and steering wheels, driven by demand for lightweight, durable, and low-maintenance materials. Similarly, the footwear sector leverages synthetic leather for cost-effective, stylish, and sustainable shoe designs.
Expansion of E-Commerce and Fashion Retail
The rise of online retail platforms has increased the accessibility and demand for synthetic leather products globally. Fast fashion brands and e-commerce platforms are driving demand for affordable and trendy synthetic leather goods, particularly in emerging markets.
Stringent Environmental Regulations and Policies
Government regulations limiting the use of animal-derived leather and promoting sustainable alternatives are compelling manufacturers to innovate and expand synthetic leather production. Compliance with chemical and environmental standards is becoming critical for global market growth.
Market Segmentation
- Based on the type, the market is segmented into polyurethane (PU) leather, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leather, and bio-based leather.
- Based on the application, the market is segmented into footwear, automotive, furnishing, clothing, bags & wallets, and others.
- Based on the end user, the market is segmented into fashion, automotive, furniture, sports, electronics, and others).
The Automotive segment represents the largest segment in the global synthetic leather market, holding the major share. This dominance is primarily driven by the growing demand for high-quality, durable, and eco-friendly interior materials for vehicles. Synthetic leather is increasingly replacing natural leather in car seats, dashboards, steering wheels, and door panels due to its cost-effectiveness, resistance to wear and tear, and easier maintenance. Additionally, the push for sustainable and vegan alternatives in the automotive industry is boosting the adoption of synthetic leather. The segment’s growth is further reinforced by rising vehicle production globally, particularly in emerging markets, and increasing consumer preference for luxury finishes without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional leather.
Polyurethane (PU) Leather Key Segment in Market Growth
By type, the global synthetic leather market is segmented into polyurethane (PU) Leather, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leather, and bio-based leather, with PU leather currently holding the share. PU leather dominates due to its superior flexibility, durability, and realistic leather-like texture, making it highly preferred in applications such as footwear, fashion accessories, and automotive interiors. PU leather also offers environmental advantages compared to PVC leather, as it is less toxic and more recyclable, which aligns with global sustainability initiatives.
Regional Outlook
The global synthetic leather market is further divided by region, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).
India’s Market Expands Rapidly in Asia-Pacific
India is emerging as a high-growth market for synthetic leather in the Asia-Pacific region. The country’s growing automotive, footwear, and fashion industries, along with rising awareness of eco-friendly and cruelty-free alternatives, are driving demand. Domestic manufacturers are increasingly investing in PU and PVC leather technologies, while government initiatives supporting Make-in-India and sustainable manufacturing practices provide additional growth momentum. The expanding middle-class population and rising consumption of fashion and lifestyle products further bolster India’s market position.
North America Maintains Strong Market Position
North America holds a significant share of the global synthetic leather market. The US holds a major share of the global Synthetic Leather market, leading the region in terms of production, consumption, and technological advancements. The country’s dominance is driven by a well-established automotive sector, robust footwear and fashion industries, and a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Strong investments in research and development by key market players, along with innovations in polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leather production, support the country’s competitive edge. Moreover, increasing consumer preference for high-quality, durable, and vegan alternatives to natural leather further boosts market adoption. The presence of major synthetic leather manufacturers, advanced production facilities, and efficient supply chain networks contribute to maintaining the United States’ leadership position in the global market.
Market Players Outlook
The major companies operating in the global synthetic leather market include Kuraray Co., Ltd. , Mayur Uniquoters Ltd., Nan Ya Plastics Corp., San Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Teijin Ltd., among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments
- In July 2025, Kuraray Co., Ltd. expanded its bio-based synthetic leather production line to cater to the rising demand for eco-friendly alternatives.
- In May 2025, Teijin Ltd. launched high-performance PU leather with improved durability and environmental compliance for automotive and fashion applications.
- In March 2025, Mayur Uniquoters Ltd. inaugurated a new PVC leather manufacturing facility in India to enhance domestic and international supply.
- In January 2025, San Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. introduced innovative coatings for synthetic leather to improve scratch resistance and longevity.
- In November 2024, Nan Ya Plastics Corp. developed a recyclable synthetic leather product line aimed at reducing environmental impact and supporting circular economy initiatives.
- Market value data analysis of 2024 and forecast to 2035.
- Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
- Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
- Key companies operating in the global synthetic leather market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products and relevant news is also available in the report.
- Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
- Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
Table of Contents
150 Pages
- 1. Report Summary
- Current Industry Analysis and Growth Potential Outlook
- Global Synthetic Leather Market Sales Analysis – Type |Application | End User ($ Million)
- Synthetic Leather Market Sales Performance of Top Countries
- 1.1. Research Methodology
- Primary Research Approach
- Secondary Research Approach
- 1.2. Market Snapshot
- 2. Market Overview and Insights
- 2.1. Scope of the Study
- 2.2. Analyst Insight & Current Market Trends
- 2.2.1. Key Synthetic Leather Market Trends
- 2.2.2. Market Recommendations
- 3. Market Determinants
- 3.1. Market Drivers
- 3.1.1. Drivers For the Global Synthetic Leather Market: Impact Analysis
- 3.2. Market Pain Points and Challenges
- 3.2.1. Restraints For the Global Synthetic Leather Market: Impact Analysis
- 3.3. Market Opportunities
- 3.3.1. Opportunities For the Global Synthetic Leather Market: Impact Analysis
- 4. Competitive Landscape
- 4.1. Competitive Dashboard – Synthetic Leather Market Revenue and Share by Manufacturers
- Synthetic Leather Comparison Analysis
- Top Market Player Ranking Matrix
- 4.2. Key Company Analysis
- 4.2.1. Kuraray Co., Ltd.
- 4.2.1.1. Overview
- 4.2.1.2. Product Portfolio
- 4.2.1.3. Financial Analysis (Subject to Data Availability)
- 4.2.1.4. SWOT Analysis
- 4.2.1.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.2. Mayur Uniquoters Ltd.
- 4.2.2.1. Overview
- 4.2.2.2. Product Portfolio
- 4.2.2.3. Financial Analysis (Subject to Data Availability)
- 4.2.2.4. SWOT Analysis
- 4.2.2.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.3. Nan Ya Plastics Corp.
- 4.2.3.1. Overview
- 4.2.3.2. Product Portfolio
- 4.2.3.3. Financial Analysis (Subject to Data Availability)
- 4.2.3.4. SWOT Analysis
- 4.2.3.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.4. San Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
- 4.2.4.1. Overview
- 4.2.4.2. Product Portfolio
- 4.2.4.3. Financial Analysis (Subject to Data Availability)
- 4.2.4.4. SWOT Analysis
- 4.2.4.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.5. Teijin Ltd.
- 4.2.5.1. Overview
- 4.2.5.2. Product Portfolio
- 4.2.5.3. Financial Analysis (Subject to Data Availability)
- 4.2.5.4. SWOT Analysis
- 4.2.5.5. Business Strategy
- 4.3. Top Winning Strategies by Market Players
- 4.3.1. Merger and Acquisition
- 4.3.2. Product Launch
- 4.3.3. Partnership And Collaboration
- 5. Global Synthetic Leather Market Sales Analysis By Type ($ Million)
- 5.1. Polyurethane (PU) Leather
- 5.2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Leather
- 5.3. Bio-Based Leather
- 6. Global Synthetic Leather Market Sales Analysis By Application ($ Million)
- 6.1. Footwear
- 6.2. Automotive
- 6.3. Furnishing
- 6.4. Clothing
- 6.5. Bags & Wallets
- 6.6. Others
- 7. Global Synthetic Leather Market Sales Analysis By End-User ($ Million)
- 7.1. Fashion
- 7.2. Automotive
- 7.3. Furniture
- 7.4. Sports
- 7.5. Electronics
- 7.6. Others
- 8. Regional Analysis
- 8.1. North American Synthetic Leather Market Sales Analysis – Type | Application | End User ($ Million)
- Macroeconomic Factors for North America
- 8.1.1. United States
- 8.1.2. Canada
- 8.2. European Synthetic Leather Market Sales Analysis – Type | Application | End User ($ Million)
- Macroeconomic Factors for Europe
- 8.2.1. UK
- 8.2.2. Germany
- 8.2.3. Italy
- 8.2.4. Spain
- 8.2.5. France
- 8.2.6. Russia
- 8.2.7. Rest of Europe
- 8.3. Asia-Pacific Synthetic Leather Market Sales Analysis – Type | Application | End User ($ Million)
- Macroeconomic Factors for Asia-Pacific
- 8.3.1. China
- 8.3.2. Japan
- 8.3.3. South Korea
- 8.3.4. India
- 8.3.5. Australia & New Zealand
- 8.3.6. ASEAN Countries (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, And others)
- 8.3.7. Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 8.4. Rest of the World Synthetic Leather Market Sales Analysis – Type | Application | End User ($ Million)
- Macroeconomic Factors for the Rest of the World
- 8.4.1. Latin America
- 8.4.2. Middle East and Africa
- 9. Company Profiles
- 9.1. Alfatex Italia SRL
- 9.1.1. Quick Facts
- 9.1.2. Company Overview
- 9.1.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.1.4. Business Strategies
- 9.2. Asahi Kasei Corp.
- 9.2.1. Quick Facts
- 9.2.2. Company Overview
- 9.2.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.2.4. Business Strategies
- 9.3. Covestro AG
- 9.3.1. Quick Facts
- 9.3.2. Company Overview
- 9.3.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.3.4. Business Strategies
- 9.4. Dow Inc.
- 9.4.1. Quick Facts
- 9.4.2. Company Overview
- 9.4.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.4.4. Business Strategies
- 9.5. DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products Company LLC
- 9.5.1. Quick Facts
- 9.5.2. Company Overview
- 9.5.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.5.4. Business Strategies
- 9.6. Elkem ASA
- 9.6.1. Quick Facts
- 9.6.2. Company Overview
- 9.6.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.6.4. Business Strategies
- 9.7. Evonik Industries AG
- 9.7.1. Quick Facts
- 9.7.2. Company Overview
- 9.7.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.7.4. Business Strategies
- 9.8. Filwel Co., Ltd.
- 9.8.1. Quick Facts
- 9.8.2. Company Overview
- 9.8.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.8.4. Business Strategies
- 9.9. H.R. Polycoats Pvt. Ltd.
- 9.9.1. Quick Facts
- 9.9.2. Company Overview
- 9.9.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.9.4. Business Strategies
- 9.10. Kuraray Co., Ltd.
- 9.10.1. Quick Facts
- 9.10.2. Company Overview
- 9.10.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.10.4. Business Strategies
- 9.11. LANXESS
- 9.11.1. Quick Facts
- 9.11.2. Company Overview
- 9.11.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.11.4. Business Strategies
- 9.12. Mayur Uniquoters Ltd.
- 9.12.1. Quick Facts
- 9.12.2. Company Overview
- 9.12.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.12.4. Business Strategies
- 9.13. Nan Ya Plastics Corp.
- 9.13.1. Quick Facts
- 9.13.2. Company Overview
- 9.13.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.13.4. Business Strategies
- 9.14. San Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
- 9.14.1. Quick Facts
- 9.14.2. Company Overview
- 9.14.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.14.4. Business Strategies
- 9.15. Stahl Holdings B.V.
- 9.15.1. Quick Facts
- 9.15.2. Company Overview
- 9.15.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.15.4. Business Strategies
- 9.16. Teijin Ltd.
- 9.16.1. Quick Facts
- 9.16.2. Company Overview
- 9.16.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.16.4. Business Strategies
- 9.17. Toray Industries, Inc.
- 9.17.1. Quick Facts
- 9.17.2. Company Overview
- 9.17.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.17.4. Business Strategies
- 9.18. Wacker Chemie AG
- 9.18.1. Quick Facts
- 9.18.2. Company Overview
- 9.18.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.18.4. Business Strategies
- 9.19. Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd.
- 9.19.1. Quick Facts
- 9.19.2. Company Overview
- 9.19.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.19.4. Business Strategies
- 9.20. Zhejiang Hexin Industry Co., Ltd.
- 9.20.1. Quick Facts
- 9.20.2. Company Overview
- 9.20.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.20.4. Business Strategies
Pricing
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