How to Check If PU Synthetic Leather Is Eco-Friendly

I. Brief Introduction

Elyn Leather (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. supplies eco-friendly PU synthetic leather for ladies’ bags, women’s shoes, phone cases,

cosmetic bags, beauty tools and stationery. Correctly judging the eco-friendliness of PU synthetic leather helps us control

product quality, meet market green standards and build a better brand image.

II. Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check product certificates

   Ask suppliers for eco-certificates such as ISO 14001 environmental management certification and OEKO-TEX Standard

   100 (for items touching skin). These certificates prove the goods meet environmental limits in production and chemical

   content.

2. Test harmful substance levels
   Send PU leather samples to qualified third-party labs for testing.

   Key items: heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), formaldehyde and phthalates.

3. Learn about production processes
   Talk to suppliers about their manufacturing methods. Ask if they use eco-friendly raw materials like water- based

   PU resin instead of solvent-based PU resin, and if they cut wastewater and gas pollution during production.

4. Smell the material
   Unpack the leather and smell it. Strong sharp chemical odors mean high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and low

   eco-performance. Mild, odor-free leather is more environmentally safe.

5. Burn test (operate carefully)
   Cut a tiny piece of leather. Work in a ventilated area away from flammables and light it with a lighter. Watch the flame,

   smoke and leftover ash:

   •Yellow flame, little smoke, light ash with no bad smell: likely made of greener raw materials

   •Black smoke, strong stench, hard thick residue: poor eco-friendliness

III. Key Points for Each Step

   •Check certificates: Verify authenticity on official certification websites. Different certificates cover different eco indicators;

     pick ones matching your product use.

   •Harmful substance test: Choose licensed, trusted labs for accurate, official test reports. Follow national standard

    GB 18401-2010 for chemical limits.

   •Production process check: Ask suppliers for written technical papers for unclear details. Check raw material sources

    and real environmental protection steps in factories.

   •Smell test: Test in a well-ventilated space with no outside strange smells. Odor is only a quick rough check, not

     final proof.

   •Burn test: Strictly follow fire safety rules. Different PU leather burns differently; refer to guides or ask experts for judgment.

IV. Common Problems & Warnings

 1. Common Issues & Solutions

    •Fake certificates from suppliers: Check online and call certification bodies to confirm. Ask to see original certificates

      if needed.

    •Burn test damages samples and carries fire risks: Use other checking methods first. If burning is necessary, follow

      safety rules and dispose of burnt waste properly after testing.

 2. Important Notes

    •Judge eco-friendliness with all the above methods; do not rely on one single check.

    •Keep up with new environmental rules and standards in the industry, and update your checking rules

      regularly to stay compliant.

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