The invention is directed to a multi-layer polishing pad for chemical-mechanical polishing comprising a top layer, a middle layer and a bottom layer, wherein the top layer and bottom layer are joined together by the middle layer, and without the use of an adhesive. The invention is also directed to a multi-layer polishing pad comprising an optically transmissive region, wherein the layers of the multi-layer polishing pad are joined together without the use of an adhesive.