There are situations were natural materials would be cost-ineffective, unethical, or just plain impractical. Agrarian goods such as leather have been used for centuries for many uses, but in today’s society are being increasingly frowned upon for ethical and moral reasons. Animal rights activists and other self-interest groups are constantly on the forefront against animal cruelty, which implies that animal skin usage is exactly that. There are many types of animal skins in use today, but the uses are becoming more of a fashion purpose rather than anything practical. Artificial materials that are processed to be as close to leather as possible are making a strong appearance on the world market today.

One synthetic staple is called “pleather”, or plastic leather. This material is usually made from polyurethane film on cloth, and is at most three times cheaper than the real thing. It is much more versatile than leather and easier to maintain and clean. Pleather has many more uses than actual animal skins, and can be made to look like any animal skin. It can be colored and formed into any myriad of shapes and sizes and patterns. Upholstering automobiles with this is much more pragmatic because of its ability to resist stains, and to be textured to the auto designer’s wishes. The elasticity of the fabric can withstand many sits and slides across the seat without showing wear. Another use of pleather is for massage chairs. The artificial skin is much more flexible than real cured hide, and can maintain its shape no matter how much stretching or pulling.

Massage chairs use rollers and other mechanical devices to knead tired muscles and aching tendons in the back and neck. These rollers and devices, usually designed to mimic human hands and fingers, are made of hard material, such as tough plastic or wood. The motors that drive these massager parts are powerful, so you would want padding on them to make the treatment as comfortable as possible. You couldn’t cover the massage chair with animal hide and expect the skin to last. Eventually it would wear, and rather quickly. Plastic leather would be the ideal veneer for this application. The pleather could be made smooth and protected against oils or other liquids. It would be easily cleanable and because it can be sealed, bacteria and mold growth would be inhibited.

There are many massage chairs to choose from, but most come in black. That isn’t because plastic or synthetic leather is only black, but because of the manufacturers desire to mimic tanned and dyed leather as closely as possible. Synthetic coverings can come in a variety of colors, and some full-body massage chairs come in brown, cream, or even red. There are chairs that can not only vibrate and heat, but also massage you from the back of your neck to your ankles. Having such a malleable skin over something like that is beneficial. The chair would be a lasting part of anyone’s home décor. Pleather has many uses, and clothing is headed to the top. Since it is so flexible and breathable, it can be made into almost anything. Fashion designers are clamoring to have the newest styles in this not-so-new yet versatile fabric.