What advantages does water-based PU synthetic leather offer over traditional synthetic leather?
Synthetic leather was originally developed as a natural leather alternative based on the structure of natural leather, addressing raw material shortages and environmental pollution in leather production. Today, synthetic leather has gradually replaced natural leather in many fields thanks to its outstanding performance.
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Traditional synthetic leather manufacturing is largely built on an industrial system based on solvent-based polyurethane resins, with production relying heavily on solvents such as toluene, xylene, and dimethylformamide (DMF). The extensive use of organic solvents inevitably leads to their release into the natural environment, causing damage to nature and ecosystems.
As industrialisation advances, environmental pollution is drawing increasing attention
Since the beginning of the 21st century, as industrialisation has advanced further, people have become aware of the environmental pollution caused by the widespread use of solvent-based polyurethane. The wastewater and exhaust gases generated during traditional synthetic leather production contain a variety of toxic and hazardous substances, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. Workers in tanneries, exposed over long periods to pollutants from evaporating organic solvents, also face a higher risk of cancer than the general population.
Diagram of the main exhaust gas and wastewater emissions from the dry and wet production processes of traditional solvent-based synthetic leather
It is not only governments advocating for green and sustainable production; consumers are also paying greater attention to whether their everyday home environments are healthy and safe.
Hazardous substances in traditional synthetic leather products can be slowly released during use, potentially affecting human health under certain conditions. These substances include not only the well-known formaldehyde, but also other VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as dimethylformamide (DMF). The harm from these toxic substances may not be as immediate as that from food or pharmaceuticals, but prolonged exposure can have adverse effects on human health.
Synthetic leather materials are widely used in home spaces, closely connected to our daily lives
From this, we can see that the environmentally friendly upgrade of synthetic leather materials is urgent. As synthetic leather manufacturers, how to transform in line with the trends of the times and find a suitable development path is particularly important.We need to consider how to reduce the destruction and exploitation of natural resources while developing healthy, environmentally friendly leather products that also maintain functionality, achieving sustainable development for human society.
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Since the 1960s, water-based polyurethane (WPU) materials have attracted attention in Europe, America, Japan and other regions. However, immature technology and high production costs limited their widespread application. Research on water-based leather in China started relatively late, and was constrained by technology, materials and mindsets, resulting in slow progress. Nevertheless, some forward-thinking companies were already preparing for breakthroughs in this field.
Changfeng water-based PU synthetic leather production line
In 2007, the well-known Swedish home furnishing retailer IKEA introduced its "NO DMF" strategic requirement, actively promoting environmentally friendly materials with 0 DMF and 0 formaldehyde. Guided by IKEA, Changfeng began researching water-based environmentally friendly materials and officially became a globally designated leather supplier for IKEA in 2009.
In 2009, ChangfengNew Materials officially became a globally designated leather supplier for IKEA
This has been a long journey of exploration. ChangfengNew Materials has been deeply engaged in the eco-leather sector for nearly 20 years, accumulating extensive R&D experience and deep technical expertise along the way, and launching the water-based PU synthetic leather brand PURE, building a unique core competitiveness. With our strong innovation capabilities, we have successfully transformed into the world's first 100% pure water-based PU synthetic leather enterprise, achieving mass production of 0 DMF, 0 formaldehyde eco-friendly synthetic leather, bringing true innovation to the transformation and upgrading of China's synthetic leather industry.
PURE water-based PU synthetic leather series
Compared with traditional synthetic leather, PURE water-based PU synthetic leather offers the following advantages:
Eco-friendly & healthy
Traditional synthetic leather often contains harmful substances such as formaldehyde and DMF, posing potential health risks. Water-based PU synthetic leather contains no organic solvents from raw materials to finished product, achieving ultra-low VOC emissions, is free of heavy metals, and releases no harmful gases during production.
Superior performance
Water-based PU synthetic leather offers abrasion and scratch resistance comparable to solvent-based synthetic leather. In durability tests, PURE water-based leather achieves 200,000 cycles in Martindale abrasion, 200,000 cycles in Wyzenbeek abrasion, and over 100,000 cycles in flex resistance. Additionally, PURE water-based PU synthetic leather exhibits exceptional durability, with hydrolysis resistance certified by relevant authorities to exceed ten years.
Exceptional experience
PURE water-based PU synthetic leather uses a three-dimensional restoration technique, closely replicating the look and feel of genuine leather. The surface is elastic, soft and skin-friendly, offering excellent comfort. Notably, PURE can also be customised to meet specific customer requirements, from colour and texture preferences to physical and chemical performance standards, with options such as easy-clean, anti-mould, antibacterial, and flame-retardant properties.
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As awareness of home health and environmental protection continues to grow, the future of leather material development will follow a non-toxic, green, and low-carbon path. Driven by evolving industry policies, rising consumer environmental awareness, and continuous technological upgrades, the promotion and application of water-based leather will become an inevitable trend. The water-based leather industry will transition from rapid growth to maturity, capturing a larger market share.
Aerial view of the ChangfengNew Materials factory site
For enterprises across the upstream and downstream industry chain, producing and applying environmentally friendly materials and achieving green transformation is not only about protecting the environment and responding to national policies, but also about driving their own development and strengthening core competitiveness. On the one hand, innovative eco-friendly technologies and products enhance a company's market competitiveness; on the other hand, green transformation aligns with societal expectations, helping to build a positive corporate image and demonstrate social responsibility.
