Market Overview
As environmental issues with conventional leather and demands for hygiene grow, the silicone synthetic leather (Si Leather) market is expanding rapidly.
Problems with Conventional Leather
Natural and conventional synthetic leathers pose serious environmental problems, while demand for Green & Clean materials such as stain resistance and hygiene keeps rising.
The Need for and Outlook of Si Leather
Backed by advantages such as eco-friendliness, stain resistance and thermal stability, silicone synthetic leather continues to gain market share and is projected to account for roughly 80% of the total market by 2030.
Global Silicone Leather Market Outlook
Unit: 100 million · Source: GII Research
Coating Structure
Based on a 100% silicone coating, multi-layer structures can be designed
according to differences in application and function.
In silicone synthetic leather, both the surface skin layer and the adhesive layer
are made of 100% silicone, with a fabric layer beneath supporting the material properties.
This structure allows multi-layer designs tailored to different uses and functions,
optimizing properties for the requirements of furniture, mobility, medical and other fields.
General Properties of Silicone Synthetic Leather
Eight inherent strengths of the material, from low- and high-temperature stability to non-toxicity.
Low-temperature Stability
Retains its natural softness even in harsh conditions down to -40°C.
High-temperature Stability
No deformation, shrinkage or combustion even at temperatures up to 200°C.
Waterproof & Easy to Clean
Stains from pens, shoe polish and more wipe away easily with a cloth.
Aging Stability
Usable for 5–10 years without yellowing, fading, mold or peeling.
UV Stability
Strong against ultraviolet light, with excellent weather and light resistance.
Abrasion Resistance
Combines a smooth, soft touch with excellent scratch and abrasion resistance.
Flame Retardancy
Silicone’s inherent flame retardancy easily meets industry requirements.
Eco-friendly · Non-toxic
Non-toxic, odorless and hypoallergenic the same level as baby pacifier materials.
Synthetic Leather Comparison
A comparison of silicone synthetic leather with natural, PU and PVC leather across key criteria.
Key Property Grade Comparison
| Category | Silicone Synthetic Leather | Natural Leather | PU Synthetic Leather | PVC Synthetic Leather |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal stability | ◎ | ○ | △ | △ |
| Stain resistance | ◎ | △ | △ | △ |
| Water resistance | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Hydrolysis resistance | ◎ | □ | △ | △ |
| UV Stability | ◎ | □ | □ | □ |
| Abrasion Resistance | ○ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Eco-friendly flame retardancy | ◎ | ○ | △ | △ |
| Eco-friendly & non-toxic | ◎ | □ | △ | △ |
◎ Excellent · ○ Good · △ Fair · □ Poor
Detailed Comparison by Material
| Category | Silicone Synthetic Leather | Natural Leather | PU Synthetic Leather | PVC Synthetic Leather |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw material | Silicone. Woven, knit, non-woven, microfiber, etc. |
Urethane, wax, silicone blend. Pigskin, cowhide, sheepskin | Polyurethane. Woven, knit, non-woven, microfiber, etc. |
Polyvinylchloride. Woven, knit, non-woven, etc. |
| Hand feel | Waxy~Dry Slip | Waxy~Dry Slip · Substantial hand feel | Dry Slip | Dry Slip |
| Manufacturing process | Dry process | Complex · wet process, spray | Wet + dry process | Dry process |
| Service life | Over 10 years | 5–10 years | 2–5 years | 2–5 years |
| Environmental impact of manufacturing | Pollution-free | Severe environmental pollution | olvent-based types use hazardous solvents | Odor |
| Volatiles and residual hazardous substances | Low VOCs | Formaldehyde, volatiles, heavy metals | Residual chemical additives | Heavy metals |
| Hazards when burned | Non-toxic gas and carbon dioxide | Flame-retardant components, nitrogen and some hazardous gases | Hazardous components released when petrochemicals burn | Dioxins and hazardous components released when petrochemicals burn |
| Thermal stability | Excellent (-40 to 200°C) | Good | Weak | Weak |
| Salt spray resistance | 70°C × 95% RH, no issues after 2,000 hours |
Poor | 70℃ × RH 95%, no issues after 192 hours |
70℃ × RH 95%, flex resistance below 75% after 336 hours |
| Breathability | Weak | Moderate | Weak | Weak |
| Stain resistance | Excellent | Weak | Weak | Weak |
| Water resistance | Good | Moderate | Good | Good |