A Complete Guide to VOCs in Leather: Sources, Risks, and Test Methods

People in the leather materials business often ask me a simple question:

“Does your leather contain VOCs?”

This question looks simple, but it is not that simple. VOC is not one single substance. It is a large group of organic compounds that can easily move into the air. Different materials, formulas, and production processes can have different VOC sources and VOC levels. In this article, I will explain VOCs in leather in a simple way.

What Are VOCs?

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These are organic chemicals that can easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. Common VOCs include benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene. They are widely found in paints, coatings, adhesives, furniture, car interiors, and synthetic leather products. You can refer to the official EPA VOC Guide. In the leather industry, VOCs are often related to solvents, coatings, adhesives, additives, and volatile substances left from the production process.

Where Do VOCs in Leather Come From?

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather goes through processes such as tanning, dyeing, fatliquoring, and finishing. The chemicals used in these processes may affect the final release of volatile substances. So, genuine leather does not mean zero VOCs. For products used in closed spaces, such as car seats and sofas, the final product should still be tested for VOC emissions.

PVC Leather

For PVC Leather, the main things to check include surface coatings, additives, adhesives, and composite materials. Different manufacturers may use different formulas and production processes, so VOC emissions can also be different. Therefore, it is not correct to simply say that “PVC Leather has high VOCs” or “PVC Leather has no VOCs.”*

PU Leather

PU Leather needs special attention when a solvent-based process is used. In traditional solvent-based PU production, DMF (N,N-Dimethylformamide) may be used. The EU REACH regulation has placed restrictions on the use of DMF. Under specific conditions, DMF at a concentration of 0.3% or more is subject to related supply and use restrictions. You can read the official EUR-Lex DMF Regulation. The ECHA website also provides information about the hazard classification and regulatory status of DMF. See ECHA DMF Information.

What Are the Effects of VOCs on Human Health?

There are many types of VOCs, and different substances can have different effects. According to EPA information, some VOCs may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness, and tiredness when people are exposed to high levels or for a long time. Some specific VOCs may also cause more serious health risks. You can refer to the EPA Indoor Air Quality Guide. This is why better ventilation is a simple way to reduce exposure in places such as newly renovated houses, new cars, and new furniture.

How Are VOCs in Leather Tested?

You cannot judge VOC levels simply by smelling the leather.

A strong smell does not always mean high VOC levels, and no obvious smell does not mean there are no VOCs.

What really matters is standardized testing.

For example, ISO 16000-6:2021 describes a test method for measuring VOCs in indoor air and emissions from materials.

For leather used in car seats and other car interior parts, you can also look at ISO 12219-9:2019.

Formaldehyde can also be tested separately. ISO has developed a test method for formaldehyde released from leather: ISO 17226-3:2011.

What Should You Check When Buying Leather?

If you are a furniture manufacturer, car seat manufacturer, or leather trader, do not only ask your supplier:

“Does this leather contain VOCs?”

It is better to ask the following questions:

What test standard was used?

What is the TVOC level?

Which specific VOCs were detected?

What is the formaldehyde level?

Was DMF tested?

Were other substances required by the customer also tested?

There is another point that is easy to miss.

Different test standards, temperature, humidity, test time, and sample conditions can all affect the test result.

Final Thoughts

VOCs in leather are not simply a matter of “yes” or “no.” Genuine leather, PVC Leather, and PU Leather can all involve VOCs, but their sources and control methods can be different. For PU Leather, special attention should be paid to solvent-based production processes and chemicals such as DMF. For B2B buyers, instead of asking whether a product is “VOC Free Leather,” it is more useful to check the test standard, TVOC level, individual VOCs, formaldehyde, and other specific chemicals required by the customer. This is a more practical way to understand and control the VOC performance of leather materials.

Hualixing New Materials Co., Ltd. manufactures Ecological Silicone Leather for buyers worldwide. We manufacture and supply PVC leather, PU leather, silicone leather & vegan leather for automotive, furniture, upholstery, marine and more.If you want to learn more, please contact us.

FAQ

Q: Does all leather contain VOCs?

Not necessarily. VOC levels depend on the materials, chemicals, coatings, adhesives, and production process used.

Q: Does PVC Leather have more VOCs than PU Leather?

Not always. Different formulas and production processes can lead to different VOC levels. Test results are more important than the material type alone.

Q: Does a strong smell mean high VOCs?

No. Smell cannot accurately show VOC levels. Standardized testing is needed to measure VOC emissions.

Q: What VOC tests should buyers check?

Buyers should check the test standard, TVOC, individual VOCs, formaldehyde, and DMF when required by the application or customer.