History of Automotive Interior Materials-PVC Leather Materials

In the 1940s, many car seat covers were made from vinyl polymers or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These materials were dyed with dyes in a molten state, offering high color fastness and ease of cleaning. At the same time, following World War II, nylon began to emerge and was incorporated into automotive trims alongside other materials.

Starting from the 1950s, PVC-coated fabrics began to be widely used in clothing, home décor, and automotive interiors. This material could be processed into a variety of colors and could be surface-molded to create different textures, making it a fashionable composite textile material at the time.

The use of PVC in conventional automotive interiors continued through the 1970s. During this period, the general improvement in living standards led to higher expectations for vehicle comfort. However, PVC-covered seats had poor breathability, particularly during hot summer months when they would become sticky and uncomfortable.

In the 1970s, nylon began to be used on a large scale in automotive interior fabrics, incorporating different weaving structures and color effects. At the same time, due to increasing market competition, the quality standards for automotive fabrics were raised to a new level.

Nylon's widespread use in automotive interiors lasted for almost 30 years because early car windows were relatively small and nearly vertical. This meant that, under the same sunlight conditions, interior temperature changes weren’t as drastic as they are in modern cars. Additionally, consumers at the time were more focused on car performance and less concerned with interior materials. Furthermore, the automotive market was not as competitive as it is today.

In the mid-1970s, polyester began to appear and gradually took over as the dominant material for automotive interior fabrics, a position it still holds today. Approximately 90% of automotive interior fabrics globally are still made from polyester. Compared to other textile fibers, polyester has many unmatched advantages. However, during the dyeing process of polyester yarns, UV-absorbing chemicals must be added to meet the requirements for light aging resistance.

Natural leather, as a premium interior material, was used in cars much earlier than fabrics. In the early days, leather was also backed by a base cloth and its surface was typically treated with a gloss finish to increase shine and wear resistance, although this reduced its natural breathability. In recent years, due to numerous environmental and ecological protection regulations, the leather processing techniques have undergone significant changes.

Using genuine leather, especially calfskin, for car interiors is universally recognized as a symbol of luxury and nobility, but it is also expensive. It is estimated that the use of leather in car interiors will decline in the future. On one hand, the number of car manufacturers is increasing, while on the other hand, the number of calves raised for consumption has decreased. Nevertheless, people’s enthusiasm for genuine leather remains strong. Currently, many leather and fabric combinations are used in car interiors. The shortage of genuine leather has led to the resurgence of synthetic leather, which has greatly improved in realism and technical performance over the years. Meanwhile, synthetic suede fabrics made from ultra-fine fibers are becoming increasingly popular.

A new type of leather called Nappa leather has emerged in recent years. This is a high-quality full-grain leather known for its softness, smoothness, and durability. Nappa leather is widely used in high-end automotive seats, luxury handbags, footwear, gloves, and high-end furniture. Its uniqueness lies in its delicate craftsmanship and treatment methods, which make it softer than ordinary leather. This high-quality material is also more durable and resistant to aging, and it is one of the main materials we recommend and use in automotive fabrics today.