Main Uses and Attributes

Leather is used for many manufactured products due to its physical and aesthetic properties.[1] The creation of leather from animal hides involves various processes that subject the collagen in the hides to chemical and mechanical modifications that treat and soften the material while minimizing damage to the hide’s toughness and strength.[2] The output of these processes is leather.

Leather is a versatile material that is used in various industries thanks to its durability, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal. Its application is extensive in fashion and apparel, where it is utilized to craft an array of items ranging from jackets, coats, skirts, pants, to dresses. It also serves as a favoured material for accessories like belts, wallets, and handbags. Furthermore, leather’s attributes make it a popular choice in the footwear sector. With its strength, breathability, and ability to mould to the foot’s contours, it is commonly employed in the production of shoes, boots, sandals, and other types of footwear.

Looking beyond fashion and footwear, leather also plays a significant role in the furniture and upholstery industry. In the manufacturing of sofas, chairs, recliners, ottomans, and other seating options, leather emerges as a favoured choice. Its luxurious appearance, comfortable texture, and remarkable durability contribute to its appeal in upholstery applications. In this vein, the automotive industry heavily relies on leather for crafting car interiors. Leather is extensively employed to create seats, steering wheel covers, gearshift knobs, and other interior components.