Many people are interested in recycled leather, what it is. The article tells about its history, production technology, composition and properties. Also below it is told, it is worth buying products from this material and what to produce.
Recycled Leather: What is it?
The name comes from the word "recycle". This means that the material is used again. It is an inexpensive analogue of genuine leather. During production, the material uses scraps that remain after use in a certain area, which is why it is in high demand.
Please note! This type of leather is often confused with pressed leather because they have a lot in common. The only difference is that synthetic fibers are added to pressed leather and it is used in the production of shoes, clothes, diaries, etc.
Story
When purchasing, you may notice the name “Bonded leather” or “Reconstituted leather” on the label, which is how recycled leather is designated.
This material gained its popularity after bags and wallets started to be sold. All because it was often dyed to look like reptiles. And products with such a texture were extremely popular. That is why many girls bought bags without even thinking about the disadvantages.
Many designers began to use this material because it is easy to cut and changes texture.
When buying a chair, you can see inscriptions such as "LUX leather with companion" or "Recycled leather with companion", what is it? Companion is a part of a completely different fabric, which is used in the manufacture of armrests, pillows and many other parts of upholstered furniture. Due to the huge selection of colors and models, such upholstered furniture is popular.
Important! It is not eco-leather.
Production technology and composition
The material consists of scraps of natural leather and latex or another substance that binds and helps form a single fabric.
Manufactured in a recycling process:
- At the very beginning, the cuttings are ground into powder.
- The powder is then mixed with a binder, such as latex.
- The mass is heated and melted.
- All elements are connected.
- The result is a flat roll.
- Then a coating of modified PVC is applied.
- Then the finished roll is painted and varnished. It is given the necessary texture.
Please note! Most manufacturers pass off recycled and pressed products as natural. That is why you should be careful, especially if you need to buy a quality product.
Technical specifications
Material characteristics:
- Very elastic and durable, like natural. All this thanks to the binder.
- It has the same smell and color as the real thing.
- It is possible to change the structure.
- Does not allow moisture or air to pass through.
Application areas
Bags, accessories, etc. will last for many years and the likelihood that they will quickly become unusable is extremely low.
The following is made from recycled leather:
- Passport covers.
This is the most common area of application. This is because the material is inexpensive and the production of such covers takes much less budget.
- Diaries.
The cover of the diary should be beautiful and without flaws. When buying a diary, you can increasingly come across such covers. Due to its advantages, it is popular. The most famous company producing diaries from recycled leather is "Adverti" in Moscow.
- Bags.
Bags made of such material are popular. Due to the fact that leather can be given any texture and shape, bags and handbags of various sizes and colors are made from it.
- Furniture upholstery.
Recycled leather is increasingly used in furniture manufacturing due to its price and the fact that most consumers accept this material as the original. If you need to save money, then it is ideal. It will last a long time only if handled carefully.
- Office chairs.
Office chairs made from this type of leather are extremely popular due to the variety of colors and prices.
- Embossing of symbols, company inscriptions or logos.
It is interesting why recycled leather is not used in clothing. It is rarely used in the production of various shoes, as it is not suitable for wearing, has low wear resistance. With constant wear, shoes can burst or cracks appear on them. And in the production of clothing, it is also very rarely used. It is difficult to find a jacket or a leather jacket made of such material on the shelves in the store. Clothes from it are not made because it does not allow the body to breathe.
Please note! You shouldn't buy shoes or clothes made of this material, because due to low wear resistance, clothes can deteriorate during temperature changes, cracks and abrasions appear in the armpit area. But if the desire is stronger, then you should buy clothes with recycled leather inserts.
It is for this reason that you should be very careful when choosing products and check the quality of the material from which it is made.
Pros and cons
It is always worth paying attention to the pros and cons, this will help you decide whether you need this material or not.
Pros:
- It can be made into pieces of different shapes and sizes. It is because of this parameter that it is well used in the production of various bags with many colors used.
- Cheaper than natural. And all because it has impurities.
- Very low water permeability. Because of this, leather is very often used in the manufacture of bags and shoes. After wearing in the rain, the bag or shoes will not be wet.
- Suitable for embossing inscriptions.
- It is not difficult to care for. It should be cared for in the same way as other artificial leather.
- Huge selection of colors. Due to the possibility of using different colors, recycled leather is often used in furniture. People have the opportunity to choose a sofa of the color that will suit the interior.
- A wide selection of upholstered furniture models.
- Possibility to make the same pattern as on real skin: crocodile or snake. The choice of texture is varied. Everything depends only on desire.
Disadvantages of the material:
- Poor cold tolerance. This means that cracks may appear at very low temperatures.
- Poor breathability.
- Not suitable for making shoes. The main reason is that after two or three months the shoes may burst.
Furniture made of recycled leather will fit into any interior, thanks to its advantages. Buyers should choose the manufacturer correctly. And the latter should choose the supplier that provides the material correctly.
