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Synthetic leather, which has become established as an alternative material to real leather, is set to evolve even further in 2026.
In addition to the existing benefits of being "lightweight and easy to handle," environmental considerations and diversification of texture expressions are now at the center of trends.
In particular, new materials that use plant-derived polyurethane and highly durable polycarbonate resins are attracting attention.
Takashima Shoji's popular series represents this new era of synthetic leather. Here we will introduce seven product number from the series that offer an excellent balance of texture, functionality, and uses.
A sustainable material made with Sorona® fiber as the base fabric.
It has a supple texture and soft, stretchy two-way stretch.
This next-generation material combines breathability and hydrolysis resistance through wet processing, allowing it to maintain its beautiful condition for a long time.
Tags that can be attached to products that use Sorona® are also available for purchase.
What is Sorona®?
This environmentally friendly, high-performance material, developed by DuPont™, is made partly from plant-based (corn) materials. Compared to nylon 6, it reduces CO2 emissions during production by approximately 63% and energy consumption by approximately 30%.
What is OEKO-TEX®?
This is proof that the textile products are kind to people and the earth, and are produced under strict checks to ensure that the production system is of the highest standard, not only in terms of safety but also in consideration of the environment and workers.
The 0.9mm thick, firm texture and elegant luster give it a luxurious and attractive finish.
Its weight of 420g/m² is heavy, yet it feels flexible.
It is highly resistant to deterioration over time, making it a popular product number for outerwear, bags, miscellaneous goods , and interior decor.
Both #2160 and #3501 have a wide range of brown color variations, with #3501 having more saturated, vibrant colors.
All of the products in the lineup are easy to use.
Uses a lightweight, soft knit base fabric that is resistant to fraying.
It has sufficient stretch in the horizontal direction and slight stretch in the warp direction, making it easy to cut and handle, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from clothing and clothing materials to outdoor items, miscellaneous goods, interior decor, and fixture materials.
This popular, long-selling product has a subdued, almost matte sheen and subtle patterning, a rich color variation, high versatility, and a proven track record of consistent quality. It's a versatile product that's also recommended for those working with synthetic leather for the first time.
It features a natural cowhide-like texture and a thickness of 1mm, recreating the impact of real leather.
It is a striking material that is suitable for raised items such as jackets and blousons. Because it has improved resistance to deterioration over time, it is used not only for clothing, miscellaneous goods, and bags, but also for shoes and industrial materials.
It has high resistance to hydrolysis, and in the jungle test (※), no peeling of the surface film was observed after 6 weeks, which means it can withstand approximately 6 years of actual use.
What is the Jungle Test?
This test recreates the deterioration that would normally take a year in an artificially created high temperature and humidity environment in about a week, and measures the peel strength every week to assess durability against deterioration over time.
The biggest feature of this product is its 2-way functionality, allowing it to stretch both vertically and horizontally.
The base fabric contains polyurethane, which results in a tight weave and strong rebound.
The surface is flat and smooth with no embossed grain.
Color number #101 is pure white.
The off-white #1 color is no longer available, but unfortunately there were no similar flat and matte off-white products available.
It is an enamel-like leather with a glossy, smooth surface.
This is a glossy version of #4345 Stretch, with the same blend ratio, count, and rebound strength.
Although the glossy surface has the disadvantage of being prone to fingerprints, it is ideal for creating glamorous expressions such as stage costumes.
Color #1 is an off-white with a slight yellow tint.
#71 Silver and #72 Gold are pearlescent colors with a slightly grainy texture. #78 Bronze creates a dull metallic color that appears grayish to brownish due to the roll reflection of light.
This dry synthetic leather has a calfskin look and feels uniquely wrinkled and textured thanks to the polyester/cotton blend used for the lining and bio-processing.
The fabric is washed in a laundry liquid containing enzymes that act on cotton, reducing the amount of cotton in the fabric, giving it a soft, relaxed feel.
It has horizontal stretch, so it can be used for outerwear and jackets, as well as bottoms and apparel miscellaneous goods.
Color number #1, off-white, is a muted shade that is close to beige-ivory.
Synthetic leather looks and feels similar to genuine leather and is easier to handle than genuine leather, so it is used in many clothing and accessories.
Another reason for its ease of handling is that, unlike genuine leather, its hardness hardly changes with temperature (strictly speaking, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) leather does change in hardness with temperature).
All seven of the product number featured here are made with polyurethane, making them highly durable synthetic leather that is resistant to deterioration over time. However, due to their chemical nature, synthetic leather will deteriorate when exposed to moisture in the air, sunlight, and temperature. Proper handling is essential, from cutting and sewing to storage.
Here we will explain in detail how to handle synthetic leather and the key points to make it last longer.
Synthetic leather is a material that is prone to peeling and stickiness due to hydrolysis over time. This is an unavoidable characteristic of synthetic leather and cannot be completely prevented. However, products made with polycarbonate-based polyurethane are highly durable, and if handled properly, peeling and stickiness can be prevented for a long period of time. Care must also be taken when layering dark and light colors or using them in specific areas, as there is always a risk of contamination or color transfer. If the product becomes dirty, wipe it with a mild detergent, then wipe it with a damp cloth wrung out tightly, then wipe it dry.
The basic rule for storing synthetic leather rolls is to store them unfolded, rolled up on a core.
Avoid storing in high temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight. Do not store in piles, stacks, or upright positions, as this may cause deformation or deterioration of the material.
Requires rolling and relaxing. Before cutting, roll the textile and let it relax for at least 24 hours.
By rolling and molding in the same direction, distortion and shrinkage after cutting can be prevented.
Careful handling during storage, cutting and sewing is important as it directly affects the quality of the product.
Be sure to remove any scratches, as repairs are extremely difficult.
Use the cutting machine knife at a low speed, as frictional heat may cause the resin to melt and fuse.
Please avoid marking with oil-based markers or ballpoint pens, as this may cause the resin to peel off or the ink to rub off, resulting in stains.
Store the same color and lot separately and do not fold them.
Synthetic leather can be sewn using a standard industrial sewing machine, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Please sew within the same roll. Not just with synthetic leather, but differences in color and texture may occur due to differences in lots.
Please note that when sewing together the warp and weft of textile, the stretchability is different.
Use slide ring presser foot, needle plate and feed dog that are Teflon coated or resin coated. Metal presser foot may cause scratches.
Use a little lighter pressure and backstitch less. Use reinforcing fabric in areas that will be subject to stress, such as the corners of the pocket. This will prevent the surface from wearing down, peeling, tearing, and punctures.
The recommended stitch spacing is 11 to 13 stitches per 3cm, but this may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the material.
Once you put the needle through, it will leave a hole, so be careful not to re-sew it.
Use fine needles and keep them fresh to avoid wear and tear.
For knitted fabrics, care must be taken to prevent ground thread breakage. We recommend using S, KN, or SF needles, or surface-treated SU, ASU, or PSU needles.
Regarding ironing and pressing, do not use steam. Iron at a temperature of 110°C or less with a pressing cloth on the reverse side. Laying a nonwoven fabric with a textured surface will prevent the embossed surface from collapsing.
Use a low-temperature type fusible interlining and check the pressing conditions in advance.
Because it is sensitive to light, moisture, and heat, use a dehumidifier to keep it dry.
Store by hanging it on a hanger without folding it and using wrapping paper on the film side.
Be careful not to let the coating surfaces of the products come into contact with each other to prevent color transfer.
Use polypropylene or polyethylene packaging for synthetic leather. Never use vinyl chloride packaging.
Synthetic leather is easier to handle than genuine leather, but it has an unavoidable tendency to hydrolyze.
Proper storage, cutting, sewing and finishing can significantly extend the life of your product.
High-quality polycarbonate synthetic leather is particularly durable, and proper care can significantly extend its lifespan.
*The items listed here are general handling matters and may vary depending on the textile product number, item, design, sewing equipment and techniques.
Please check and consider these factors before proceeding with mass production.
This evolved synthetic leather has the look and feel of real leather, but is light and supple, ushering future fashion and interiors into a more free and creative world.
PLANETA® is an original brand and registered trademark of Takashima Shoji Co., Ltd., an Osaka-based company specializing in synthetic leather and Eco fur.
Takashima Shoji Co., Ltd. has been specializing in synthetic leather for over 30 years, and has been utilizing this expertise to plan and sell high-quality products.
