Introduction to Bonded Leather

In the developing leather business, leather makers have developed a new sort of leather called bonded leather, which is manufactured from leather scraps and has its own applications and usage. Because of its cheap manufacturing costs and price, it is a very affordable form of leather that is utilised in the production of various items.

In this blog, we will go over how bonded leather is created, why people choose bonded leather, how it is used and applied, and how it differs from other types of leather such as PU, genuine, and imitation leather.

What is Bonded leather?

Bonded leather is also referred to as mixed leather. This leather is manufactured from scraps or remnants of genuine leather that are fused together with adhesives or latex to create a one-of-a-kind material.

The leather scraps are joined with adhesive before being coated with synthetic materials such as polyurethane to make them more durable and appealing. It is neither wholly pure leather nor entirely synthetic leather. It is a blend of both.

What is Bonded leather made of?

Bonded leather is a form of leather created from scraps and leftovers of leather skin that are crushed into pulp and then glued with polyurethane to a base of paper or fibre. 

It is then embossed to get the desired texture and design. Bonded leather contains only 10-20% of actual leather. The precise proportion might differ from maker to manufacturer.

Why Choose Bonded Leather?

The most popular reason for choosing bonded leather over other types of leather is the cost element. Because bonded leather comprises just 10-20% actual leather, it is less expensive than genuine leather and other grades of leather.

Bonded leather has a consistent and smooth texture, which is required in some items, and so it may be used. Bonded leather comes in a wider range of colours and patterns since it is manufactured using synthetic techniques.

Also Read : What is Aniline Leather

Key Points of Bonded Leather

For a layman, identifying differences in different types of leather can be difficult. So let’s see some of the key points of bonded leather that will help you tell the difference. It might be difficult for a layperson to tell the difference between different varieties of leather. So let's look at some of the important characteristics of bonded leather that will help you determine the difference. 

• Combination of genuine and faux leather: Bonded leather is a mix of genuine and imitation leather. It has a proportion of genuine leather.

• Affordable: Bonded leather is less expensive than other varieties of real leather since it contains just a small fraction of the latter.

• The texture is uniform and even: Bonded leather has an artificial embossed pattern, so it seems quite consistent and unnatural. It has no flaws like genuine leather, full grain, or top grain leather.

• Less durable: Because bonded leather contains just a small fraction of genuine leather, it is not particularly durable and will not last long.

• Chemical smell: Bonded leather emits chemical and artificial odours. It does not have the scent of real leather.

Applications of Bonded Leather

Bonded leather, with its cheaper cost and homogeneous look, is used in a wide range of products and sectors. However, its applicability is frequently determined by the product's needed durability. Here are some popular applications for bonded leather: 

1. Furniture: Bonded leather is a common choice for budget furniture items such as couches, chairs, and ottomans because of its low cost and constant appearance. It may provide a 'leather-look' for a fraction of the price of actual leather. 

2. Bookbinding: Bonded leather is commonly used to bind books, diaries, and photograph albums. Because these goods normally see less wear and tear than a leather purse or belt, the lower durability of bonded leather is less of an issue. 

3. Fashion accessory: Bonded leather is used to make economical fashion accessories such as purses, baggage bags, laptop bags, and so on.

4. Accessories and small goods: Wallets, belts, keychains, and other small-scale products are frequently created from bonded leather in order to keep prices down. However, because they are often used, these goods made of bonded leather can degrade fast.

5. Automobile Upholstery: Some automakers may use bonded leather to provide 'leather' interiors at a reduced cost. However, owing to excessive use, these surfaces may fracture and peel with time, resulting in a less than optimal lifetime. While bonded leather has its uses in the market, it falls short when it comes to things that are regularly used and expected to last for years, such as high-quality purses or belts.

This is where high-quality materials, like as the full grain vegetable-tanned leather used at Atelier Madre, truly shine. The excellent durability, appearance, and feel of our selected leather type makes it the best choice for items that will last the test of time.

Also Check : What is Patent Leather

How to choose Bonded Leather?

 Bonded leather has various characteristics that may be utilised to select the appropriate bonded leather. Let's look at some pointers for selecting bonded leather.

• Feel and Look: To select bonded leather, check for traits such as consistent and homogeneous texture and pattern. The leather surface should feel smooth to the touch and have a uniform texture.

• Tags and labels: Look for information on the tags and labels to determine the leather grade and quality. It should include information on the type and grade of leather that will be bonded.

• Smell: The bonded leather contains some genuine leather as well as chemicals, but it should not have a noticeable chemical odour, therefore inspect the leather before making a purchase choice.

• Take expert counsel: If you are still unsure, you may seek advice from any leather merchant or specialist to make an educated decision.

Bonded leather vs Faux leather

Bonded Leather vs Genuine Leather

Bonded Leather vs PU Leather

Conclusion:

In conclusion, bonded leather is a lower-grade leather created from a mix of genuine and imitation leather. With our advice, you may now understand the features of bonded leather and how it differs from other types of leather. Bonded leather continues to have applications in the industry, including fashion accessories and furniture. We hope this information assists you in selecting the appropriate type of leather for your requirements and interests.