The pursuit of sustainable materials within the textile and fashion industries has intensified in recent years, driven by rising environmental awareness, stricter legislation, and consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Among these materials, synthetic leather—traditionally manufactured using petroleum-based polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—has been identified as problematic due to its reliance on fossil resources, generation of hazardous by-products, and poor end-of-life biodegradability. In response, bio-based alternatives derived from agricultural residues, such as olive mill waste, have gained attention as promising raw materials due to their abundance, polyphenolic content, and potential for polymer reinforcement. This study compares the performance of an olive-waste-based PU synthetic leather against conventional petroleum-based PU synthetic leather through standardized physical, chemical, and fastness testing. The bio-based PU demonstrated superior tearing strength while maintaining comparable tensile strength and excellent color fastness properties. Both materials complied with chemical safety requirements, showing no detectable azo dyes, phthalates, formaldehyde, or heavy metals. These findings highlight bio-based PU as a technically viable and environmentally advantageous alternative, aligning with sustainable material innovation and circular economy goals.
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