Abstract: Described herein are artificial leather sub-composite and composite materials which are prepared with minimal or no use of solvents and which exhibit improved resistance to the phenomenon of "read through". The sub-composite and composite materials each include a thermoplastic film facing layer thermally embossed with a simulated leather texture and a barrier layer thermoplastically bonded to the facing layer. The composite material includes a flexible backing layer adhesively bonded to the barrier layer.