
PU Leather: Everything You Need to Know About This Common Office Chair Material
What is PU Leather?
- Polyurethane leather, often referred to as PU leather, is a synthetic material designed to mimic the look and feel of genuine leather. It is made by applying a layer of polyurethane to a base material, such as polyester or cotton, to create a durable and versatile material that closely resembles real leather.
- It is a favourite material in fashion and furniture. It’s a synthetic leather made from thermoplastic polymer, commonly known as polyurethane (PU). Since it doesn’t contain any animal skin, it’s considered vegan-friendly.
- You can find it in various products like handbags, shoes, furniture, and office chairs. It’s a more affordable option compared to genuine leather and is loved for its durability and easy maintenance.
Advantages:
- Animal friendly choice:
Opting for it instead of genuine leather is a more ethical choice for those who care about animal welfare, as it doesn’t require the use of animal products.In New Zealand, there’s a rising awareness and concern for animal welfare. People are increasingly opting for products that are animal-friendly, avoiding materials that cause harm to animals. This includes choosing alternatives like it over genuine leather, as it doesn’t involve animal products and is considered more ethical. PU leather production can be environmentally friendly than traditional leather manufacturing, using fewer resources and chemicals.

- Flexible
It comes in a variety of colours and styles, making it highly flexible. This means it can suit different settings, whether you prefer a classic, traditional look or a modern, contemporary style, effortlessly creating various aesthetic options.
- Low Maintenance
Low maintenance is very important for daily use,especially in a work environment where you don’t want to spend too much time maintaining furniture. Therefore, low maintenance is a key consideration.
If you spill coffee or tea while working, PU leather is handy. It’s somewhat waterproof, so you can quickly wipe it clean with a dry cloth. No smell or stains left behind, whether you’re at the office or working from home.
- Affordable Inspiration
It offers a wide range of designs and colours to inspire you, all at affordable prices. Whether you’re designing or rearranging your office space, it provides an easy and budget-friendly way to create a suitable environment for your office or home office.
Disadvantages:
- Breathability
It lacks breathability because it is made from synthetic materials like polyurethane, which doesn’t allow air to pass through as easily as natural materials. This can cause heat and moisture to build up, lead to discomfort, especially during long periods of sitting or in hot climates, as PU leather doesn’t allow air to circulate through it, resulting in sweating.
- Natural Texture
It lacks the natural look and feel of genuine leather. Being made of plastic, it doesn’t have the unique texture and grain patterns found in real leather, which some people prefer.
- Functional
PU office chairs generally have fewer ergonomic features compared to other materials. If you prioritise functionality, you may find that PU chairs offer limited options for customisation and adjustment to suit your needs.
conclusion:
PU leather is known for being affordable, versatile, and animal-friendly. As a highly popular material for office chairs, PU provides KIWIs with a wide range of options and combinations for both office and home use. With its fashionable designs and colour choices at reasonable prices, PU leather is becoming a future trend that more and more people are adopting.
Nowadays, PU leather technology is advancing, making it more similar to real leather. In the New Zealand market, the increasing variety of PU leather options is providing KIWIs with a better experience.