Top 10 Companies in the Eco-Functional Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Industry (2026): Market Leaders Driving Sustainable Innovation

In Business Insights
February 26, 2026


The Global Eco-Functional Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market was valued at USD 700 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1,062 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.3% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This robust growth is fueled by increasing consumer demand for sustainable materials, stringent environmental regulations, and the accelerating adoption of eco-friendly alternatives across the automotive, furniture, and fashion sectors.

As industries worldwide pivot towards circular economies and responsible sourcing, the focus intensifies on the material innovators who are redefining performance and sustainability. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Eco-Functional Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Industry—a group of chemical giants, advanced material specialists, and sustainability pioneers shaping the future of textiles and coatings.


🔟 1. Toray Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: ULTRASUEDE®, ECOUSE™

Toray is a global leader in advanced materials, with its synthetic leather division setting industry benchmarks for quality and environmental performance. Their flagship ULTRASUEDE® brand is renowned for its luxurious feel, durability, and incorporation of recycled materials, making it a preferred choice for high-end automotive interiors, fashion, and accessories.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of products using recycled polyester and bio-based polyols

  • Commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 through innovative manufacturing processes

  • Comprehensive lifecycle assessment for all new product lines

Download FREE Sample Report:
Eco-Functional Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Teijin Limited

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: SOLOTEX®, ECOPET®

Teijin leverages its expertise in fibers and polymers to produce high-performance synthetic leathers with a reduced environmental footprint. The company’s materials are engineered for applications requiring exceptional abrasion resistance, softness, and eco-credentials, serving major automotive OEMs and luxury brands.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Integration of recycled PET bottles into synthetic leather substrates

  • Water-based polyurethane coating technologies to eliminate VOC emissions


8️⃣ 3. Kuraray Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: CLARINO®, VYLON®

Kuraray is a dominant force in the synthetic leather market, known for its CLARINO® brand which offers a superior alternative to natural leather. The company focuses on creating materials that are not only high-quality and durable but also produced through environmentally conscious methods, including the use of water-based PU systems.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering water-based manufacturing to reduce solvent use

  • Development of bio-based and biodegradable polymer alternatives


7️⃣ 4. Covestro AG

Headquarters: Leverkusen, Germany
Key Offering: INSQIN®, Desmodur®

Covestro, a world-leading supplier of high-tech polymer materials, provides the essential chemical building blocks and technologies for eco-functional synthetic leather. Their INSQIN® technology enables the production of synthetic leather using waterborne polyurethane, drastically reducing the environmental impact compared to traditional solvent-based processes.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • INSQIN® technology reduces water and energy consumption by up to 95% and 50%, respectively

  • Investment in carbon dioxide as a raw material for polyols

Download FREE Sample Report:
Eco-Functional Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Asahi Kasei Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Lamous®, Smafiction®

Asahi Kasei’s synthetic leather business delivers innovative solutions for automotive, furniture, and apparel markets. The company emphasizes the development of materials with enhanced functionality, such as improved breathability and lightweight properties, while adhering to strict sustainability criteria through its manufacturing and sourcing practices.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Implementation of closed-loop water systems in production

  • Active pursuit of Cradle to Cradle Certified™ products


5️⃣ 6. Kolon Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Hientu®, Aecotech Leather

Kolon Industries is a major South Korean chemical company with a significant presence in the global synthetic leather market. They are at the forefront of developing eco-functional materials that meet the demanding performance standards of the automotive industry while incorporating recycled content and sustainable production technologies.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of synthetic leathers with over 30% recycled content

  • Investment in green chemistry R&D for bio-PU alternatives


4️⃣ 7. San Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: Fine manufacturing for global brands

San Fang Chemical is a key manufacturer and supplier of PU synthetic leather, serving a diverse clientele from footwear and apparel to automotive sectors. The company has made significant strides in adopting greener production methods, including water-based PU coatings and energy-efficient processes, to minimize its ecological footprint.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Transition to aqueous PU dispersion systems

  • Certifications for OEKO-TEX® and other environmental standards


3️⃣ 8. Shian Microfiber Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Wujiang, China
Key Offering: Microfiber-based synthetic leather

Specializing in ultra-fine fiber synthetic leather, Shian Microfiber produces high-quality, durable materials that closely mimic the properties of natural leather. The company focuses on eco-efficiency by optimizing resource use and developing products that are free from harmful substances, catering to both domestic and international markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Advanced wastewater treatment and recycling facilities

  • Development of phthalate-free and low-VOC products


2️⃣ 9. Anhui Anli Material Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Suzhou, Anhui, China
Key Offering: A wide range of eco-PU leathers

Anhui Anli is a prominent Chinese manufacturer dedicated to the research, development, and production of ecological synthetic leather. The company has built a reputation for supplying cost-effective, environmentally compliant materials to the automotive interior, footwear, and furniture industries, with a growing export business.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investment in R&D for bio-based polyurethane formulations

  • Adherence to international environmental and quality management standards


1️⃣ 10. GOODSUN

Headquarters: Wenzhou, China
Key Offering: Customized eco-functional PU leather solutions

GOODSUN specializes in producing tailored synthetic leather solutions that balance performance with sustainability. The company serves a global customer base, providing materials for sports goods, electronics cases, and fashion accessories, with a strong emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint of its products through innovative manufacturing.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Utilization of renewable energy sources in manufacturing plants

  • Development of recyclable and biodegradable synthetic leather options

Get Full Report Here:
Eco-Functional Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Synthetic Leather is Sustainable and Smart

The eco-functional polyurethane synthetic leather market is undergoing a profound transformation. While traditional materials still command significant volume, the industry is channeling investments into bio-based alternatives, circular production models, and smart material functionalities.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated adoption of water-based PU systems replacing solvent-based processes

  • Growing demand from the automotive industry for lightweight, durable, and sustainable interiors

  • Rising consumer awareness and regulatory pressure driving brands towards transparent supply chains

  • Innovation in material functionality, including antimicrobial properties and enhanced breathability

Get Full Report Here:
Eco-Functional Polyurethane Synthetic Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying materials to global industries—they are fundamentally redefining material sustainability for a circular future.