Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Sileather meet any business standards?
A: Yes, Sileather® is proud to be compliant with ISO 9001 and IATF16949, ensuring that our working standards and business practices are of the highest quality. We take full responsibility for the research, development, manufacturing, and testing of our products to maintain the highest level of quality control and accountability throughout our production process. In addition, Sileather® exceeds a variety of industry test standards, such as Association of Contract Textiles, Indoor Advantage Gold for commercial interiors, and Lloyd's register for cruise ships, as well as thorough automotive OEM tests, among others. We verify additional testing through certified third-party facilities to ensure the consistency and reliability of our products. We strive to maintain the highest level of industry compliance to provide our customers with the best possible products and services.
Q: How is silicone leather different from PVC and PU?
A: Silicone leather is a unique fabric and its properties are different compared to traditional polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabrics. Silicone leather does not use plasticizers, which are often found in PVC products. Silicone has many advantages over PU and PVC as it does not break down under UV light, deteriorates in cold temperatures, has no odors, and maintains consistency and shape over time.
Q: Can silicone leather be welded or cut?
A: Due to the nature of silicone, the silicone-coated surface (top) can not be RF welded or high-frequency heat pressed, but the backings can be glued/welded. We recommend that our fabric be sewn together in the majority of cases. Sileather® can be laser cut as desired.
Q: What types of backing cloths are available?
A: Silicone leather is highly versatile for many applications, thus we have bidirectional elastic cloths, 4-direction cloths, and non-stretch cloths. There is a variety of backings available: polyester, cotton, microfiber, and hybrid. Contact us for special requests or requirements.
Q: Is there custom printing?
A: Yes! We offer custom digital printing for our fabrics. You can send us your own design file, and we'll bring it to life. Additionally, we can screen-print your logo on the finished product, but only with our specially designed silkscreen ink. Please contact our sales team for more information on this service.
Q: How is Sileather® an environmentally friendly product?
A: Sileather® is an eco-friendly choice for fabrics due to our solvent-free production process and the absence of PVC or PU elements. We do not use or add chemicals such as plasticizers, phthalates, heavy metals, BPA, or formaldehyde. Additionally, our fabrics are inherently resistant to many outside forces, so we do not have to add any chemicals that can harm the environment. Sileather® has ultra-low VOC emissions and complies with various regulations, including RoHS, REACH, Cal Prop 65, AB 1817, AB 2998, and CAL 01350, ensuring that it creates no indoor air pollution. Furthermore, Sileather® is vegan-friendly, as we do not use any animal elements in our fabrics. By choosing Sileather®, you are making a sustainable and cruelty-free choice.
Q: What chemicals should be kept away from silicone fabrics?
A: It is recommended that hydrocarbon solvents (gasoline, kerosene, fingernail polish, etc.), hair dye, benzene solvents (mineral spirits, varnish, rubber cement, etc.), and cyclosiloxane oligomers.
Q: Is Sileather silicone fabric PFAS-free?
A: Yes. Sileather silicone fabric contains no PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Silicone coatings do not rely on fluorine chemistry for water resistance or durability, so there is nothing to remove or reformulate. Sileather holds a formal PFAS-free statement available for specification purposes.
Q: Is silicone upholstery safe for healthcare environments?
A: Yes. Sileather fabrics contain no PVC, PU, formaldehyde, antimicrobials, flame retardants, or PFAS — meeting the Healthier Hospitals Initiative material guidelines. They are bleach-cleanable, non-porous, and hold Indoor Advantage Gold certification, which is recognized for healthcare, education, and WELL Building projects.
Q: How does Sileather silicone fabric compare to vinyl for marine upholstery?
A: Unlike vinyl (PVC), Sileather silicone fabric does not contain plasticizers or phthalates, does not hydrolyze in humid or wet conditions, and does not off-gas VOCs throughout its lifespan. It is UV-stable, salt-resistant, and does not crack or stiffen in cold temperatures. Sileather is also PFAS-free, whereas some marine vinyl fabrics use fluorine-based water-resistance treatments.
Q: What certifications does Sileather hold for commercial interior specification?
A: Sileather holds Indoor Advantage Gold (ANSI/BIFMA M7.1), OEKO-TEX Standard 100, SCS Certified Green Material, and is compliant with RoHS, REACH, California Prop 65, and CAL01350. It qualifies for LEED v4, Green Globes, BREEAM, WELL Building Standard, Living Building Challenge, and CHPS.
Q: Is there a PVC-free and PU-free upholstery option for boat seating?
A: Yes. Sileather is 100% silicone coated fabric — it contains no PVC and no polyurethane. It is manufactured using a solvent-free process, making it one of the few marine upholstery materials that is simultaneously PVC-free, PU-free, PFAS-free, and certified for low VOC emissions.