There are several types of alternatives to genuine leather. The more popular materials, including thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyurethane laminate (PUL) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are often used for jackets, handbags, shoes and upholstery, and were developed as inexpensive alternatives to leather. These materials are man-made synthetic products.[1]
[[File:Imitation leather.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Imitation leather]]
== Benefits and potential impacts ==
==Sources==
# http://www.advleather.com/bicast.html# http://www.mnn.com/family/family-activities/blogs/eu-bans-toxic-phthalates-and-other-chemicals# http://www.healthychild.org/easy-steps/avoid-phthalates-find-phthalate-free-products-instead%E2%80%A8%E2%80%A8/# http://www.www.mnn.com/family/family-activities/blogs/eu-bans-toxic-phthalates-and-other-chemicals# http://www.healthychild.org/easy-steps/avoid-phthalates-find-phthalate-free-products-instead%E2%80%A8%E2%80%A8/# http://www.healthybuilding.net/pvc/facts.html# http://www.ultrasuede.com/about/responsibly_engineered.html