Role of fabric backer in PVC textiles

Home / Blog /

Nothing ever works without a backing, not even artificial leather. Artificial leather or PVC leather is in reality PVC coated textiles. There are layers created to achieve the final product and a very essential layer is that of a fabric backer. Let’s talk about the crucial role a fabric backer plays in the final PVC leather product.

When it comes to PVC textiles, one crucial component that is not talked about often enough is the fabric backer. This is an unseen layer in the final product and plays a pivotal role in providing structure, strength, and durability to PVC leather, making it an indispensable element and an important step during artificial leather production.

‍

A PVC textile without a fabric backer would be like a ship without a sail, lacking the necessary support to be a strong piece of fabric to use on a variety of furniture pieces, footwear, automotive etc. The fabric backer is what transforms a flimsy and thin PVC sheet into a robust and strong material which is capable of withstanding rigorous use and maintaining its quality as time passes.

‍

One of the primary functions of a fabric backer is to add strength to the PVC textile. Without it, the fabric would simply lack the necessary strength and be susceptible to easy wear and tear along with other mechanical stresses. This is why we ensure that every product has a strong and durable backing.

‍

Moreover, a fabric backer can also enhance the dimensional stability of artificial leather. When combined with the PVC layer, it prevents the material from warping or getting distorted when it’s exposed to varying environmental conditions, such as temperature changes or exposure to moisture. Fabric backing ensures that the fabric maintains its intended shape and appearance, contributing to its longevity and visual appeal.

‍

Another significant benefit of a fabric backer is that it improves the overall look and feel and handling of PVC leather. By providing a smooth and consistent surface at the back, the fabric backer truly enhances the user’s experience and makes it easier to work with the fabric while installing and maintaining it.

‍

So, how is a fabric backer made?

‍

Much like any other material, the fabric backer is made via knitting and weaving. But when it comes to the final process of how it is added to create the final PVC leather product, the process is different.

‍

The process typically involves geling the PVC resin on an existing fabric backer and further processing it through big ovens to get the final, desired artificial leather. A strong bond is created between the layers of the PVC resin and fabric backer to ensure they merge well together to produce the final fabric. Going through intense heat in the ovens ensures that the fabric backer is effectively reinforced in the PVC resin.

‍

We do customize the thickness and composition of the fabric backer to meet specific performance requirements. We work closely with our global and domestic suppliers for R&D and fabric innovation to stay up to date with what’s best out there. Having a fabric backer to create the final artificial leather products adds to the characteristics of the fabric being fire-retardant, antimicrobial, and more. However, this is not a one-step process. For example most fabrics are generally made from polyester, but to achieve the desired fire-retardant specification we blend polyester with cotton.

‍

In conclusion, the fabric backer is a critical component that significantly enhances the performance, durability, and versatility of all PVC leather. Without it, it’s not possible to make high-quality, long-lasting artificial leather.

Published on
April 9, 2024
Share

More from Klassik

Our Journey in the Automotive Industry

Klassik has been successfully supplying PVC leathercloth and foam laminated textiles to automotive OEMs and the aftermarket for replacement seat covers since 2001. We have been doing so through direct supply as well as technical collaborations.

‍

Our journey in this industry has seen substantial growth over all these years.

‍

We started by producing for the local market, which is also known as the replacement market. The replacement market is where one would go to purchase new PVC Leatherseat covers or get new covers made in the occurrence of damage, needing a different color or other such instances.

‍

Starting from there, we gradually went on to supply to major automotive OEMs (or original equipment manufacturers). The growth has been fulfilling.

‍

As we grew further, we started supplying PVC Vinyl to major global brands for various automotive requirements. However, working with brands across the globe has been a completely different experience for us as a company. For starters, different countries require different variations - we supply PVC Vinyl to the USA. PVC leathercloth to the UK and PVC leather or Rexine to India. Then, getting approval from an automotive company is a long and technical process. It’s not only about successfully achieving the price target of the brand but we also need to get cleared by their styling and technical teams. We often work closely with the styling teams and engineering teams to match the approved grains and colors, as well as the stringent technical requirements of automotive interiors.

‍

Not only that, the requirements for these automotive brands are extremely extensive as their list includes specific features such as high strength, durability, stain resistance, anti-squeak, UV resistance, cold crack resistance, and Low VOC to name a few.

‍

As a company, we have global approval for some of the car models, and our material has to perform in all kinds of weather conditions and situations.

‍

To ensure that our products and our company meet all these needs successfully we have a focused production process. Our technical capabilities allow us to tick-mark every requirement that our clients have without any concern. We have invested in top-quality machines that allow us to make the product in various widths such as 140 cm, 150 cm and 158 cm, giving us an edge. We recently received the IATF 16949:2016 certification, which is specific to the automotive industry.

‍

We supply a wide range of PVC Vinyl, PVC Leathercloth and PVC leather products to automotive companies which include materials for automotive seats, interior and door trims, gearboxes, tool kit pouches or covers, along with hood toney covers or trunk covers.

‍

Apart from all the essential requirements we receive from our clients we also hugely focus on durability and style. A car is a very special possession for anyone and why shouldn’t it be every bit long-lasting and stylish? Your mode of transport should also be comfortable and the PVC leather ensures that the seats don’t get too hot unlike real leather or tear up like fabric and make your journey smooth. PVC leather is also easier to clean in comparison to the rest and hence, easier to maintain. Anything that lasts long is deemed as a good investment and for us, that is PVC leather or artificial leather products. And since many brands locally and globally are seeing a shift towards being sustainable and environmentally friendly, real leather is being used less and less, giving way to artificial leather or PVC leather.

‍

You can explore our entire automotive collection here

Why Artificial Leather is the best option for Home Furnishing

Are you someone who is obsessed with home decor or are you a furniture designer looking for the best option for upholstery for interior decoration? Then you need to read this. When it comes to choosing material for upholstery, whether you’re looking at home renovation ideas or decorating your workspace or business, there are three main options - genuine leather, artificial leather or faux leather and fabric. The choice you make can depend on many factors like price, design preference, aesthetics, quality, durability and maintenance, to name a few.

‍

Now it might be hard to find something that will check off all the above points, but what if we told you it’s not? Artificial leather or faux leather or PVC leather cloth has it all! What we manufacture here at Klassik is more reasonable than genuine leather, it comes in many design and texture options that are versatile and will satisfy your aesthetic needs, they are high in quality and extremely durable and very easy to maintain. When you get it all, the decision to choose artificial leather becomes that much easier.


Artificial leather in general is less expensive than genuine leather but has the same rich look and feel that you would find in genuine leather. An important point to note is that artificial leather is durable and easy to maintain without the added cost of genuine leather. Another differentiator and characteristic of artificial leather is that it doesn’t wrinkle like genuine leather because it’s not made of animal skin. It’s machine-made and has a smooth touch and feel as compared to genuine leather.

‍

While fabric is the least expensive option out of all the three, it doesn’t last long and is not very easy to maintain. Fabrics can be easily stained and damaged, making them the wrong choice in the long run. Artificial leather is what we can call an affordable luxury product. One can argue that artificial leather or faux leather is also one of the more sustainable options as no animals are harmed during its production. People who follow a vegan lifestyle, and are environmentally conscious also prefer to choose artificial leather over genuine leather.

‍

The faux leather or artificial leather industry has seen major improvements and advances in terms of production, making it a preferred choice for many looking at home decor ideas and interior designing ideas. Artificial leather is no longer referred to as something that is “fake”. It’s a widely used option in today’s day and age.

‍

So when it’s about home furnishing and giving a modern look to your home, then artificial leather is the way to go. It’s the best way to invest in your home decor for years to come. From sofas and chairs to cushions and more - revamp your home interiors with the best that the market has to offer. With our wide range of PVC leather cloth, you will surely find exactly what you need to suit your style and texture preferences, color scheme, aesthetics and more. Explore our range here

Pantone’s colour of the year 2024 - Peach Fuzz

In the ever-evolving world of design, colour plays a pivotal role in shaping trends and reflecting the way in which we move ahead with changing times. Pantone, the global authority on colour, has once again captured the essence of this constantly developing world with its Colour of the Year for 2024. As we step into the future, Pantone has invited the world to embrace a shade that transcends traditional boundaries and resonates with the energy of the times.

‍

Pantone’s pick for the 2024 colour of the year is a soft, pinkish-orange hue called “Peach Fuzz”, the company announced recently. It is officially called “Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz,” and according to the authorities is described as being “velvety,” “gentle” and “subtly sensual”.

‍

We at Klassik offer a very wide range of colours to choose from. With a diverse clientele which ranges from footwear and upholstery to medical, automotive and more - we aim to ensure that getting the perfect shade is never a concern for our clients. Our shade French - Powder closely resembles Peach Fuzz, the Pantone colour of the year making it a popular choice for all trend followers.

‍

Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute mentioned in a statement that Peach Fuzz echoes their innate yearning for closeness and connection. She also said that they chose a colour which was radiant with warmth and modern elegance. It’s a shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless. All of which is indeed a thoughtful sentiment.

‍

Over the years, artificial leather or PVC has emerged as a frontrunner, offering a cruelty-free and eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather. As clients are prioritizing ethical choices more and more these days, we are not only focused on creating high-quality products that offer the luxurious feel of genuine leather but also exploring a diverse color palette to meet the demands of a vibrant and dynamic market. This has allowed us to always stay ahead of the game when it comes to having shades that match the Color of the Year.

‍

Selecting the right color palette for our PVC or artificial leather products is a meticulous process that we follow and it involves a number of steps like - a deep understanding of clients’ preferences, keeping up with industry trends, and the technical aspects of artificial leather production. Our dyeing plant ensures that we can achieve any and every color our clients require.

‍

In conclusion, we are proud to present our wide selection of colors and look forward to seeing where the Peach Fuzz trend goes in the coming year with product design and manufacturing.