Environment-friendly awareness has picked up pace in recent years. The initiatives to preserve the environment are, however, not limited to governments. Major industries have also hopped onto the bandwagon and introduced eco-friendly alternatives. One of the prominent options to appear in this regard is bonded leather.

Leather remains a component used in multiple industries, mainly for workwear and PPE. Sustainable awareness has shifted interest from traditional to eco-friendly options like regenerated leather.

We will do a detailed overview of what is bonded leather, its making process and what makes it advantageous for the environment.

What is Bonded Leather?

Bonded leather, also known as blended, regenerated, or reconstituted leather is an eco-friendly and feasible form of leather. It is a combination of synthetic materials and natural leather fibers. The eco-friendly type is formed after combining synthetic leather scraps with polyurethane or other synthetic materials.

The result is bonded leather – a viable alternative to the conventional type. Also, a relatively lower price and eco-friendly element makes the blended type highly appealing.

Advantages of Bonded Leather

The sustainable alternative to conventional leather is beneficial in several ways. That said, let’s take a look at the major advantages of this modern type.

Cost-Effective

PPE products remain highly popular in major industries. Consequently, the huge demand has made leather-made materials a luxury. As the regenerated type is comparatively low-priced, it becomes a cost-effective luxury.

Aesthetic Appeal

The comparatively lower price of blended leather does not mean a compromise on quality by any means. The reconstituted material is a spitting image of the natural type. This includes similar textures and finishes. Therefore, the aesthetic appeal remains all the same but at a lower price. Additionally, the similarity in features makes it very hard to differentiate at first glance.

Durability

Durability is a major factor people look for in any component. Fortunately, the bonded type is more durable than any other synthetic combination. Consequently, it can withstand wear and tear and remains in shape for a long time. However, the resilience is lower compared to natural leather.

Easy Maintenance

A major advantage of this modern leather type is easy maintenance. It does not require any specialized products for maintenance. Moreover, users can easily clean it with a damp cloth.

Versatility

The use of blended leather expands to various industries. From furniture to upholstery and the garments’ industry – all use it because of its versatility. Consequently, the popular type remains a choice for manufacturers.

Eco-Impact of Bonded Leather

The information above gives a clear overview of bonded leather, its formation, and its perks. However, it is equally important to know the material’s impact on the ecosystem. Listed below are the details of the environmental footprint of this popular type.

Limited Sustainability

The regenerated type uses remnants of genuine leather. Although different from the genuine type, the blended materials still require the remnants to be formed. That said, the process remains the same for genuine leather production which involves deforestation and harmful emissions.

Short Lifespan

Compared to natural leather, the bonded type doesn’t last as long. The early deterioration leads to excess waste.
Limited Biodegradability

In the bonded leather vs real leather comparison, the genuine type biodegrades over time. However, the blended type is made of synthetic components and takes a long time to biodegrade.

FAQs

Is Bonded Leather Real Leather?

It is made from remnants of genuine leather. Additionally, the formation process includes adding synthetic materials. All in all, the regenerated type remains a mixture of real and artificial leather.

What is Regenerated Leather?

Regenerated or bonded leather is formed from the residue of genuine leather. The remains of genuine leather are mixed with synthetic materials to form the regenerated version. Moreover, the regenerated type remains a rather eco-friendly option.

There you have it, everything you need to know about bonded leather, its benefits, and its impact on the environment. The modern type is a viable environment-friendly alternative.

Moreover, the many benefits make the regenerated type all more intriguing and for all the right reasons.

Stay connected to learn what is bonded leather, other popular types, and more.