Synthetic Leather Market Growth Drivers and Challenges:
Growth Drivers
- Increasing demand from the footwear sector - With prospects for expansion, the footwear industry is currently the main user of synthetic leather.
The strong demand for modern, fashionable footwear brands and the increase in urbanization are the main factors driving this market expansion. As per our survey, the total spending on clothing, and footwear by the consumer is estimated to reach more than USD 2.5 trillion in the year 2029. - Concentrate on creating synthetic leather-based on biomaterials - The emergence of synthetic leather derived from biotechnology presents a sustainable substitute that lacks any detrimental characteristics.
Commercializing synthetic leather made from natural fibers like cotton, flax, and blends with plants like corn, soybean, and palm should be a top priority for manufacturers. Growing political and environmental restrictions against harmful chemicals in North America and the European Union make biobased synthetic leather a potentially lucrative market for the sector. - Sales of bio-based synthetic leather impacting the growth of the market as a whole - For the purpose of making shoes and purses, producers are switching from using real leather to bio-based or vegan synthetic leather due to growing demand and stringent international laws intended to prevent animal abuse. Furthermore, research has produced environmentally friendly and vegan leather.
Challenges
- Detrimental effects of PVC and PU on people - Synthetic (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), two basic ingredients used in the manufacturing of synthetic leather, are extremely hazardous to human health and the environment. The isocyanate PU has the potential to be harmful to the environment, human health, and animal health.
It can cause skin irritation, respiratory difficulties, lung irritation, and asthma attacks, especially among workers at PU manufacturing facilities exposed to its vapors. Conversely, dioxin, phthalates, and vinyl chloride monomer are among the harmful carcinogens found in PVC. Particularly hazardous compounds generated during the burning of PVC and other plastics containing chlorine include dioxin. The synthetic leather business faces significant obstacles due to the hazardous properties of PVC and PU.
- Synthetic is criticized for being non-biodegradable and for having an environmental impact that is high in carbon.
- The presence of alternatives in the market may impede market growth.
Synthetic Leather Market Size and Forecast:
|
Base Year |
2025 |
|
Forecast Period |
2026-2035 |
|
CAGR |
7.1% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2025) |
USD 73.98 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2035) |
USD 146.9 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Browse key industry insights with market data tables & charts from the report:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In the year 2026, the industry size of synthetic leather is evaluated at USD 78.71 billion.
The global synthetic leather market size was worth over USD 73.98 billion in 2025 and is poised to witness a CAGR of more than 7.1%, crossing USD 146.9 billion revenue by 2035.
Asia Pacific synthetic leather market will secure over 32% share, driven by urbanization and rising consumer spending in synthetic leather, forecast period 2026–2035.
Key players in the market include H.R. Polycoats Pvt. Ltd., Alfatex Italia SRL, General Silicones, tSan Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd, Filwel Co., Ltd., Yantai Wanhua Synthetic Leather Group Co., Ltd., Mayur Uniquoters Limited, Daewon Chemical Co Ltd, Nan Ya Plastics Corporation.
