Bicast leather

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Bicast leather (also known as bycast leather, split leather or PU leather) is a split leather with a layer of polyurethane applied to the surface and then embossed. Bycast was originally made for the shoe industry and recently was adopted by the furniture industry. The original formula created by Bayer was strong, but expensive. Most of the Bycast used today is very strong and durable product. The result can be a stiffer or supple product that is cheaper than top grain leather but has a much more consistent texture and is easier to clean and maintain.

The use of the term 'leather' in relation to this bicast treatment is considered a misrepresentation and therefore not permitted in the United Kingdon and New Zealand [1]. Furniture made with bicast exhibits none of the characteristics associated with genuine leather ; it will not develop a patina or suppleness nor otherwise "improve with age". With constant use the polyurethane layer will crack and split free of its backing. [2] [3]

Modern technology permits up to 3 or 4 horizontal layers being taken from the one hide. The leather used in the backing of bicast is a thin layer remaining after better quality layers have been removed for traditional leather work.

The purpose of using a hide backing appears to be little more than an attempt by manufacturers to justify the use of the word 'leather' as it is not exposed anywhere underneath its covering of polyurethane and contributes nothing to the look and feel of the end product.