Top 10 Companies in the Man-made Leather Industry (2025): Market Leaders Redefining Sustainable Fashion and Automotive Interiors

In Business Insights
January 19, 2026

The Global Man-made Leather Market was valued at USD 17.64 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 29.55 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.9% during the forecast period (2025–2032). This robust growth is being driven by increasing demand for cruelty-free and sustainable materials, the automotive industry’s shift toward high-performance interiors, and technological advancements in synthetic fiber production.

As the global fashion and automotive sectors prioritize ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility, the focus is on leading material innovators who are redefining the boundaries of synthetic leather. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Man-made Leather Industry—a diverse group of chemical giants, specialized manufacturers, and sustainability pioneers shaping the future of this dynamic market.

Download FREE Sample Report: Man-made Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔟 1. Kuraray Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: CLARINO® microfiber PU leather, ecological function leather

Kuraray is a global leader in high-performance man-made leather, renowned for its CLARINO® brand which sets the industry standard for quality and durability. The company’s advanced microfiber technology creates materials with superior breathability, abrasion resistance, and a natural leather-like feel, making it a preferred choice for luxury automotive interiors, premium footwear, and high-end upholstery.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of water-based PU systems and bio-based materials

  • Closed-loop manufacturing processes to minimize environmental impact

  • Partnerships with automotive OEMs for sustainable interior solutions


9️⃣ 2. Toray Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: ULTRASUEDE®, ECOUTTE® sustainable leather alternatives

Toray Industries is a pioneer in ultra-microfiber technology, with its ULTRASUEDE® brand representing one of the most premium synthetic leathers available. The company’s materials are used by luxury fashion brands, automotive manufacturers, and interior designers seeking high-quality, consistent, and sustainable alternatives to genuine leather.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Proprietary recycling technologies for production waste

  • Development of plant-derived polymers for leather substrates

  • Carbon neutrality targets across manufacturing operations

Download FREE Sample Report: Man-made Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report


8️⃣ 3. Teijin Limited

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: SOLOTEX® synthetic leather, eco-conscious variants

Teijin Limited has established itself as a technology leader in advanced synthetic fibers and composites, with their synthetic leather division focusing on high-value applications in automotive, aviation, and consumer goods. The company’s R&D investments have led to breakthroughs in lightweight, durable materials that meet stringent industry standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Closed-loop recycling systems for synthetic leather production

  • Bio-based material development using renewable resources

  • Energy-efficient manufacturing processes


7️⃣ 4. Covestro AG

Headquarters: Leverkusen, Germany
Key Offering: INSQIN® water-based PU technologies, specialty coatings

Formerly part of Bayer MaterialScience, Covestro is a leading producer of high-quality polyurethane raw materials used in synthetic leather manufacturing. The company’s INSQIN® technology enables the production of synthetic leather with significantly reduced environmental impact while maintaining high performance standards for fashion and automotive applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Water-based PU technologies reducing solvent use by over 95%

  • Carbon-neutral production targets by 2035

  • Partnerships for circular economy solutions in synthetic leather


6️⃣ 5. Asahi Kasei Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Lamous® synthetic leather, specialty elastomers

Asahi Kasei has built a strong position in the synthetic leather market through its Lamous® brand, known for excellent durability and design flexibility. The company serves diverse industries including automotive, furniture, and electronic accessories, with particular strength in the Asian markets where demand for high-quality synthetic leather is growing rapidly.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • $150 million investment in sustainable production facilities in Vietnam

  • Development of biodegradable synthetic leather variants

  • Energy reduction initiatives across manufacturing plants

Download FREE Sample Report: Man-made Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report


5️⃣ 6. Kolon Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: HiFi® synthetic leather, advanced composite materials

Kolon Industries is a major force in the Asian synthetic leather market, with extensive production capabilities and strong partnerships with global automotive and fashion brands. The company’s HiFi® brand is recognized for its quality consistency and innovative surface treatments that mimic premium genuine leather at competitive prices.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Eco-friendly manufacturing processes with reduced VOC emissions

  • Recycled material integration in synthetic leather production

  • Development of low-carbon footprint products


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

Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: PVC and PU synthetic leather, specialized coatings

San Fang Chemical is one of Taiwan’s largest synthetic leather manufacturers, with a comprehensive product portfolio that serves footwear, furniture, and automotive markets worldwide. The company has expanded its global footprint through strategic investments and technological partnerships, particularly strengthening its position in cost-sensitive market segments.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Implementation of green chemistry principles in production

  • Waste reduction and recycling programs

  • Development of phthalate-free plasticizer alternatives


3️⃣ 8. Duksung Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: High-grade PU leather, automotive interior materials

Duksung has carved a niche in the premium synthetic leather segment, with specialized expertise in automotive interior applications. The company’s recent acquisition of Italian design firm Miko has strengthened its capabilities in European luxury markets, positioning it for increased global expansion.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investment in eco-friendly production technologies

  • Development of sustainable material compositions

  • Carbon footprint reduction targets across operations


2️⃣ 9. Nanya Plastics Corporation

Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: Widely-used PVC leather, specialty polymer compounds

As part of the Formosa Plastics Group, Nanya Plastics brings substantial petrochemical expertise to the synthetic leather market. The company is a major supplier of PVC-based synthetic leather, serving price-sensitive applications while gradually expanding into more sustainable PU-based alternatives to meet evolving market demands.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Gradual transition from PVC to more environmentally friendly PU products

  • Efficiency improvements in energy and water usage

  • Compliance with international environmental standards


1️⃣ 10. Anhui Anli Material Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Anhui, China
Key Offering: Cost-effective PU and microfiber leather

Anhui Anli has emerged as a significant player in the Chinese synthetic leather market, leveraging China’s manufacturing scale to produce cost-competitive materials for domestic and international customers. The company has been expanding its technological capabilities to move up the value chain into higher-grade synthetic leather products.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Adoption of more environmentally friendly production methods

  • Investment in wastewater treatment and emission control systems

  • Development of products meeting international eco-standards

Get Full Report Here: Man-made Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Man-made Leather Is Smarter and More Sustainable

The man-made leather market is undergoing a fundamental transformation. While traditional PVC-based materials still dominate volume production, the industry is rapidly investing in eco-friendly alternatives, advanced manufacturing technologies, and circular economy principles.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated adoption of bio-based and recycled material compositions

  • Regulatory push for phthalate-free and low-VOC products across major markets

  • Digitalization of supply chains and custom manufacturing capabilities

  • Brand-manufacturer collaborations for specialized application solutions

Get Full Report Here: Man-made Leather Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only supplying materials for global industries—they’re driving the sustainable transformation of fashion, automotive, and furniture markets worldwide.