Leather is available in dozens of different types, one of which is bonded. Also known as reconstituted or blended leather, this is a special type of leather that’s made by shredding leather into small scraps and then coating them with polyurethane. The end result is a cheap, durable material that resembles genuine leather. However, there are both pros and cons associated with bonded leather that you need to be aware of.
Advantages of Bonded Leather
One of the most notable benefits of using bonded leather is the simple fact that it’s Eco-friendly. Bonded leather is made from the recycled scraps of existing leather, meaning it doesn’t require additional harvesting to produce.
Bonded leather also offers the benefit of consistency. In other words, it has a consistent look and feel each time it is produced. This is in stark contrast to many other forms of leather, which have small but noticeable differences in their appearance.
We can’t talk about the advantages of bonded leather without mentioning its price. Because it’s made from recycled leather scraps, it typically a costs a fraction of the amount of genuine leather. If you are looking for a cheap material that resembles leather, bonded is probably the way to go.
Disadvantages of Bonded Leather
Of course, there are also some potential disadvantages associated with bonded leather, including its unnatural look. Genuine leather looks natural, but bonded leather has a distinct artificial appearance. This is why bonded leather is rarely used in the production of jackets, shirts, pants or other garments.
According to Wikipedia, bonded leather may also experience something called “off-gassing.” This occurs when plasticizers and/or other chemicals in the bonded leather release fumes into the air. Off-gassing may seem harmless enough, but some of the chemicals being released might be toxic or even carcinogenic.
Some of the different items made of bonded leather include the following:
- Books
- Wallets
- Purses
- Sofas
- Belts
- Bracelets
- Shoe insoles
Should I Choose Bonded or Genuine Leather?
I guess it depends on your reason for seeking leather in the first place. If you are looking for a new leather jacket, you’ll probably want to stick with genuine leather since it offers a greater level of aesthetics. But if you are looking for leather to use in the construction of a DIY project, bonded might be the better choice due to its lost cost.