The average consumer, when choosing clothes and shoes, is interested in its composition. Leather products are valued more than substitute products. However, often on the label there is an inscription "composite skin". What kind of material is this? Its description, properties, advantages and disadvantages are discussed below.
What is composite skin
The material, which is made by pressing and further bonding the waste of leather production, is called composite leather. Its manufacture may vary, but the essence remains the same:
- A single fabric is formed by gluing small pieces of skin left after production.
- The material is tied together without the use of glue, by pressing.
- Small scraps are heated in hot water and rolled into a single canvas.
The result of processing residues from leather production is composite leather. That this material is natural, confirms the algorithm for its production. In this case, the canvas can be painted, polished and even varnished. The material is malleable, so you can give it the look of suede, emboss or metallize.
What is composite skin made of?
To understand the value and characteristics of the material, you need to know its composition. Natural composite skin can be developed in various ways. In this case, different waste is used:
- Old leather products that have fallen into disrepair and cannot be restored. At the same time, leather fibers do not go for the production of a new product.
- Small trimming and strips that remain after the manufacture of the main product.
- Leather dust, or flour, is suitable for making faux suede.
However, composite leather is not made from scraps of raw animal skins and old shoes.
Industry application
The main scope of the material in question is the shoe industry. It is important to clearly understand what composite skin is. In shoes, it cannot play a major role, otherwise the product will be short-lived and impractical. However, it is successfully used for the production of insoles and soles. Also, the material is suitable for the manufacture of the back of shoes or shoes.
In addition to the footwear industry, composite leather is widely used in other industries. Most often it is used:
- in the manufacture of suitcases, briefcases; while only the inner part can be made of this fabric;
- for dressing handles bags or belts;
- in the manufacture of technical goods: seals, cuffs.
Skin Benefits from Waste
The undoubted advantages of composite skin. That this material is quite durable and natural, you can understand by looking at its composition. Only trimmings of genuine leather or flour obtained by its manufacture are used.
A significant plus is its appearance. At first glance, it is difficult for an ordinary consumer to distinguish - these are real strips of leather or glued particles. Most budget bags and shoes, the sellers of which assure their naturalness, are made of composite leather. Her appearance is attractive. Color options make products aesthetically pleasing. In addition, you can make a material similar to the skin of any animal or suede.
The disadvantages of composite fabric
Due to the fact that the skin is made from small pieces or, worse, flour, the use of glue or pressing is required. Therefore, the product has a lower margin of safety.Composite leather shoes begin to get wet over time.
A single piece of cloth does not guarantee the preservation of heat, so such shoes are not suitable for weather conditions below -15 ° C. It is not recommended to wear it on a rainy day or use it on rough terrain.
Differences between skin and composition
Composite leather is a 100% material from tanning waste. However, it differs from the natural counterpart. The material does not breathe and does not stretch, because it is obtained by gluing or pressing. Clothing and shoes made of it are much cheaper, but will last a maximum of two seasons.
The used residues are so small that they are not suitable for the production of a full-fledged leather product. However, the naturalness of the material makes the cost higher than that of leatherette.
Conclusion
If you want leather shoes at an attractive price, you can choose products made of composite material. You can wear them in dry weather, at a temperature not lower than -15 ° C. Bags and briefcases made of this material will be a good alternative. They have a lot of advantages of a natural canvas, but they are much cheaper.
Composite leather is also used for the manufacture of belts and handles in bags. What kind of material is discussed above, therefore it is clear that products from it are soft, flexible and can very well be used as accessories and additional elements.