The Global Release Paper for PU Leather Market was valued at US$ 194 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach US$ 273 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This growth is being driven by the expanding applications of PU synthetic leather in footwear, automotive interiors, and furniture, alongside rising demand for high-quality, sustainable surface finishes.
As the textile and manufacturing industries increasingly adopt synthetic leather for its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits, the critical role of release paper as an enabler of texture and quality becomes paramount. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Release Paper for PU Leather Industry—specialty paper manufacturers and coating technology leaders shaping the future of surface finishing.
🔟 1. Sappi Limited
Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Key Offering: High-precision silicone-coated release papers
Sappi is a global leader in the production of high-quality specialty papers, including a comprehensive range of release papers for the PU leather industry. Their papers are renowned for excellent dimensional stability and the ability to replicate intricate, high-definition patterns such as fine leather grains and exotic textures.
Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:
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Development of ultra-smooth and high-temperature resistant base papers
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Investment in sustainable forestry and water-based coating technologies
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Focus on reducing the environmental footprint of paper production
Download FREE Sample Report:
Release Paper for PU Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. Favin S.A.
Headquarters: Le Mans, France
Key Offering: Embossed and smooth release papers for synthetic leather
Favin specializes in the manufacture of high-performance release papers, serving the European synthetic leather market with a focus on fashion, automotive, and furniture applications. Their expertise lies in creating consistent, high-quality surface finishes.
Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:
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Proprietary embossing techniques for unique texture creation
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Commitment to reducing solvent use in coating processes
8️⃣ 3. Lintec Corporation
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Silicone release papers, high-temperature papers
Lintec Corporation is a major Japanese player with advanced coating and laminating technologies. Their release papers are engineered for durability and consistent performance in demanding PU leather production processes, including those requiring high curing temperatures.
Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:
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Advanced silicone release coatings for extended paper life
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R&D into bio-based and recyclable paper substrates
7️⃣ 4. Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) Group
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Precision-release papers, decorative surface films
DNP leverages its vast printing expertise to produce release papers with exceptionally fine and detailed patterns. They are a key supplier to high-end synthetic leather manufacturers, particularly in the automotive interior and luxury goods sectors.
Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:
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Micro-patterning technology for ultra-realistic leather textures
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Development of papers compatible with water-based PU systems
Download FREE Sample Report:
Release Paper for PU Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Xinfeng Group
Headquarters: Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Cost-effective release papers for mass-market PU leather
Xinfeng Group is one of China’s leading manufacturers of release paper, playing a significant role in supplying the country’s vast synthetic leather industry. They offer a wide range of products tailored to different quality and price points.
Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:
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Focus on scaling production to meet domestic and international demand
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Improvements in production efficiency and waste reduction
5️⃣ 6. Matsumoto Coating Technologies Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Fukui, Japan
Key Offering: Specialty coated papers, including non-silicone alternatives
This company is recognized for its technological innovation in coating applications. They develop specialized release papers that cater to niche requirements, including papers for specific PU resin chemistries and production conditions.
Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:
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Pioneering non-silicone release coatings for alternative applications
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Custom solutions for emerging low-VOC PU leather formulations
4️⃣ 7. Zhejiang Chihe Technology Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Quzhou, Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Silicone release paper, PET release film
Zhejiang Chihe Technology is a rapidly growing supplier with a strong focus on the Asian market. They produce both paper and film-based release liners, offering versatility to PU leather manufacturers.
Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:
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Expansion of production capacity to capture growing market share
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Investment in quality control systems to ensure batch-to-batch consistency
3️⃣ 8. Fedrigoni Group
Headquarters: Verona, Italy
Key Offering: High-value specialty papers, including release grades
Fedrigoni, with its deep heritage in premium paper manufacturing, supplies high-grade release papers to the European luxury fashion and design sectors. Their products are associated with superior finish quality.
Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:
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Development of papers for high-gloss and special-effect finishes
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Strong commitment to certified sustainable paper sourcing (FSC, PEFC)
2️⃣ 9. Superl Group (Shenzhen Kaixin Paper Co., Ltd.)
Headquarters: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Key Offering: Release paper for PU/PVC leather, adhesive tapes
Superl Group is a significant force in the Chinese market, providing essential release papers for the country’s massive footwear and bag manufacturing industry. They are known for reliable products at competitive prices.
Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:
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Optimization of coatings for faster production cycles
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Adapting product lines to meet evolving environmental standards
1️⃣ 10. Kunshan HMC Release Materials Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Silicone release paper and film
Kunshan HMC is a specialized manufacturer focusing on release liners for various industries, including synthetic leather. They serve a broad customer base with a emphasis on technical performance and customer service.
Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:
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Technical support for customers in optimizing release paper selection
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Continuous improvement of product durability and release properties
Get Full Report Here:
Release Paper for PU Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Release Paper is More Sustainable and Technologically Advanced
The release paper market for PU leather is undergoing a significant evolution. While traditional paper types continue to dominate, the industry is pushing for advancements in sustainability, digital texture creation, and compatibility with next-generation materials.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Increasing demand for papers compatible with water-based and bio-based PU systems to meet VOC regulations
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Growth in embossed and specialty texture papers driven by consumer desire for unique and high-quality finishes
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Digitalization and automation in paper manufacturing for greater consistency and customizability
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Rising focus on closed-loop systems and paper recyclability to enhance the environmental profile of synthetic leather production
Get Full Report Here:
Release Paper for PU Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies listed above are not only supplying a critical component to the global synthetic leather industry—they are enabling the innovation and sustainability that will define its future.
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