Global synthetic leather market was valued at $31.85 billion in 2022 and is projected to attain a value of $56.68 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 6.88% during the forecast period 2023–2031. 

The global synthetic leather market is projected to grow at a significant pace in the coming years, driven by several factors. One of the primary factors is the increasing demand for animal-friendly and sustainable materials, as consumers become more aware of the impact of traditional leather on animal welfare and the environment. Additionally, advancements in production technologies have led to the development of high-quality synthetic leather materials that are durable and have a texture similar to that of natural leather. 

The growing demand from industries such as automotive and footwear, where synthetic leather is preferred due to its affordability, versatility, and durability, is also driving the market's growth. Rising disposable incomes among consumers are making them more willing to pay for high-quality and durable materials, which is further boosting the demand for synthetic leather. Finally, the growing fashion industry is also a significant end-user of synthetic leather, and its continued expansion is expected to drive the demand for synthetic leather materials for use in clothing, accessories, and other fashion products. These factors collectively suggest a positive outlook for the global synthetic leather market in the coming years.

As the demand for sustainable and animal-friendly materials continues to rise, and the versatility of synthetic leather drives demand from various end-use industries, the future of the market looks bright. With advancements in production technologies and increasing investments in research and development, synthetic leather is expected to become even more durable and sustainable, making it an attractive alternative to traditional leather. As the world shifts towards a more sustainable and ethical approach to manufacturing, the synthetic leather market is poised to play a significant role in the years to come.

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Market Dynamics 

Drivers 

Growing demand for sustainable and animal-friendly materials:

The increasing concern for the environment and animal welfare is driving the demand for sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives to traditional leather. Leather production is a resource-intensive process that requires large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals. It also contributes to deforestation, which has a severe impact on the planet's biodiversity and climate. The use of synthetic leather helps to reduce the demand for animal hides, thereby decreasing the carbon footprint and minimizing the environmental impact of the leather industry. This is because synthetic leather production uses less water and energy than traditional leather, and does not require the use of harmful chemicals or tanning processes.

Moreover, synthetic leather is often made from recycled materials, further reducing its environmental impact. It is also a more humane option as it eliminates the need to use animal hides, preventing animal cruelty. As consumers become more conscious of these issues, there is a growing demand for sustainable and animal-friendly materials, driving the growth of the synthetic leather market.

Versatility of synthetic leather for various end-use industries:

The versatility of synthetic leather is one of the key drivers of its demand across various industries. Unlike traditional leather, synthetic leather can be designed and customized to meet specific requirements, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers. For example, the automotive industry uses synthetic leather for car interiors as it can be designed to mimic the texture and appearance of natural leather, while being more durable, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. Similarly, the fashion and footwear industries use synthetic leather to create a wide range of products, from handbags and shoes to jackets and belts.

Synthetic leather market  offers manufacturers more design flexibility as it can be produced in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes. It is also easier to work with than natural leather, allowing for greater precision in manufacturing. These factors make synthetic leather an attractive option for manufacturers looking for a versatile and durable material that can be customized to meet their needs.

Restrain 

Environmental concerns related to synthetic leather production

As the demand for synthetic leather continues to rise, there are growing concerns about the environmental impact of its production. Although synthetic leather production requires less water and energy than traditional leather, it still requires the use of petroleum-based chemicals, which have a significant environmental impact.

The production of synthetic leather involves the use of chemicals such as PVC, PU, and other plasticizers, which can be harmful to the environment in the global synthetic leather market. These chemicals can leach into the soil and water, leading to environmental pollution and health hazards. Additionally, the manufacturing process of synthetic leather involves the emission of greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.

Synthetic leather is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to waste accumulation and environmental pollution. The disposal of synthetic leather products also poses a challenge, as it cannot be recycled easily and often ends up in landfills. These environmental concerns related to synthetic leather production can restrain the growth of the market, especially in regions where there is a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. 

Segmental Analysis 

By Type:

The synthetic leather market can be segmented by type into knitted and woven synthetic leather. Knitted synthetic leather is expected to dominate the market, accounting for around 62% of the market share in terms of revenue. This is due to the increasing demand for knitted synthetic leather in various industries such as automotive, fashion, and footwear. 

Knitted synthetic leather offers greater design flexibility and customization options compared to woven synthetic leather, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers. It also provides better breathability and comfort, making it suitable for use in clothing and accessories. Furthermore, knitted synthetic leather is more durable than woven synthetic leather, making it a preferred choice for products that require long-term use.

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By End User:

The synthetic leather market can also be segmented by end user into automotive, fashion, furniture, and footwear. Footwear is expected to dominate the market, accounting for over 30% of the market share in terms of revenue. This is due to the growing demand for synthetic leather in the footwear industry, as it offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional leather. 

Synthetic leather is widely used in the manufacture of footwear, as it offers a similar texture and appearance to natural leather at a lower cost. It is also more durable and requires less maintenance, making it a preferred choice for consumers. Moreover, synthetic leather can be designed and customized to meet specific requirements, making it a versatile and attractive option for manufacturers.

Regional Analysis 

The Asia Pacific region is the largest producer of synthetic leather, accounting for a revenue share of over 42%. This dominance is expected to continue over the forecast period due to several factors.

One of the key factors driving the growth of the synthetic leather market in the Asia Pacific region is the presence of a large number of manufacturers and suppliers in the region. Countries such as China, Japan, India, and South Korea are major producers of synthetic leather, owing to their strong manufacturing infrastructure and favorable government policies. These countries have well-established supply chains and a skilled workforce, enabling them to produce high-quality synthetic leather products at a lower cost.

The growing demand for synthetic leather products in the region is also driving its production. The Asia Pacific region is home to some of the world's largest automotive and footwear industries, which are major end-users of synthetic leather. The growing demand for vehicles and footwear in the region is driving the demand for synthetic leather as a preferred material. Additionally, the rising disposable incomes among consumers in the region are making them more willing to pay for high-quality and durable materials, further boosting the demand for synthetic leather.

The Asia Pacific synthetic leather market is also witnessing increasing investments in research and development to improve the sustainability and durability of synthetic leather. Manufacturers are focusing on developing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional synthetic leather and investing in technologies to reduce the environmental impact of synthetic leather production.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Achilles USA Inc.
• Alfatex Italia SRL
• Asahi Kasei Corporation
• FILWEL Company Ltd
• Fujian Polytech Technology Corp., Ltd.
• H.R.Polycoats Pvt Ltd.
• Kuraray Co., Ltd
• Mayur Uniquoters Limited
• Nan Ya Plastics Corporation Inc.
• San Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd
• Tejin Limited
• Toray Industries
• Zhejiang Hexin Holdings Co., Ltd.
• Other Prominent Players.

Market Segmentation Overview:

By Type

• Non-woven microfiber
  • Leather Optic
  • Suede Optic
• Knitted or woven base
  • Leather Optic
  • Suede Optic

By End User

• Footwear
  • Performance Footwear
  • Fashion Footwear
• Bags and Accessories
• Furnishing
  • Couches & Sofas
  • Chairs
• Interior
  • Interior Décor & Surfacing
  • Wall Tiles
• Automobiles
  • Seats
  • Doors
  • Dashboards
  • Steering Covers
  • Others
• Sporting Goods
• Garments/ Fashion
  • Fashion Apparel
  • Fashion Accessories
  • Performance Apparel
• Luxury Goods
  • Hard Luxury
  • Soft Luxury
• Others (Including Industrial)

By Regional:

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Western Europe
    • The UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Rest of Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
    • Poland
    • Russia
    • Rest of Eastern Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of MEA
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Rest of South America