keinonahkat
Keinonahkat (the Finnish term for synthetic leathers) are man-made materials designed to imitate animal leather without using hides. They are used as substitutes in clothing, footwear, upholstery, and automotive interiors. The most common forms are polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coatings applied to a textile or foam backing, sometimes with textured embossing to resemble natural grain. In recent years, some variants incorporate microfibre backs or bio-based coatings and alternative substrates to improve durability and feel.
Production typically involves laminating or coating a backing fabric with a polymer layer, followed by curing,
Advantages of keinonahkat include lower cost, consistent quality, animal-friendliness, and easy care. They are generally resistant
Environmental considerations are central to ongoing development. Manufacturing relies on plastic polymers, which can raise concerns