Main Difference

The leather is one of the most famous kind of expensive raw material that is made up of tan animal skin. Cattle skin is usually involved in most of the production of leather. Various household and other products are made up from leather such as shoes, jackets, gloves, clothes, belts, etc. Original leather is very expensive in nature and is decomposed naturally with the passage of time. On the other hand, Polyurethane is a kind of faux leather, fake leather or we can simply say that artificial leather that is an organic polymer in nature and is made up of by the combination of thermosetting polymers along with carbamate links. Polyurethane is most commonly used for sofa covers, shoes and various other products replacing leather as it is more durable to decomposition and is easy to wash.

Comparison Chart

What is Leather?

The leather is world’s most famous kind of raw material that is developed by the tan animal skin. Cattle skin is used most of the times for leather production. Various other animals’ hides are also involved depending on the kind of product. Various products like shoes, jackets, clothes, belts, etc. are made up of leather. Leather and leather products are quite expensive in nature as compare to other raw materials developing similar products. Leather products are very durable in nature and last 15 to 20 years if well maintained. Leather as made up of animal’s skin, do possess the strong threat of biodegradability. It usually decomposes in 50 to 60 years. Leather fade its color. It is usually found in brown, black and sometimes white color. It requires a lot of care.

What is Polyurethane?

Polyurethane is a famous kind of artificial leather or faux leather that is used in spite of leather for making similar kind of products. Polyurethane differs from other kinds of artificial leathers in such a way that it is more dedicated towards the production of covering material of sofa and other products. A polyurethane as the name depicts is an organic polymer in nature that is formed by the combination of carbamate links. Polyurethane is cheaper than original leather, and no animals are harmed during its production as it does not require animal hide for production. Polyurethane is quite durable in nature. It is found in a variety of different colors, unlike leather. It is very much easy to maintain and require less care than the leather.

Leather vs. Polyurethane

• The leather is a raw material made up of tan animal skin.
• Polyurethane is kind of artificial leather that is an organic polymer in nature.
• Polyurethane is less biodegradable than leather.
• Leather and its products are quite expensive.
• Polyurethane products are cheaper as compare to leather.
• The leather is found only in few color like brown, black and white.
• Polyurethane and its products are found in a variety of different colors.