Artificial leather is used where surfaces are exposed to heavy wear and must therefore be frequently replaced. Thanks to its structure, artificial leather is particularly robust as well as water- and oil-repellant.

Genuine leather is characterized by its natural surface structure and longevity. This means that the surface texture can be irregular. Additionally, genuine leather is more expensive, and trim waste attributable to the shape of the hide can be a sizable cost factor. For this reason, many attempts have been undertaken to find a substitute for natural leather: artificial leather is a robust and easy-care alternative.