Colourlock
AcquiredOverview
Colourlock is a leather care brand specializing in professional cleaning, repair, and conditioning products for automotive, furniture, and fashion applications. The brand is particularly well-established in the automotive segment, with approvals and supply agreements from major manufacturers including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Colourlock products are sold in over 75 countries and are used by leading automotive manufacturers for both production and service applications, as well as by premium furniture and fashion brands.
History
Lederzentrum GmbH, the manufacturer behind the Colourlock brand, was founded in 1995 in Germany, with the brand originating from New Zealand. The company achieved significant milestones through OEM approvals: IKEA approved the products in 1995 after extensive testing, Mercedes approved them in 2003, and Volkswagen began supplying Colourlock Leather Cleaner with every leather-equipped vehicle after 200 hours of laboratory testing and two years of road testing. BMW approved the products in 2008 for use on their vehicles throughout Europe. In October 2023, Lederzentrum GmbH was acquired by Koch-Chemie GmbH, a German chemical manufacturer, strengthening the market position and enabling growth in additional application segments.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Leather Care | Professional OEM-approved cleaning and protection for vehicle interiors | $25 - $150 |
| Leather Repair & Restoration | Color refreshment and damage repair for leather surfaces | $30 - $200 |
| Furniture Leather Care | Cleaning and conditioning for upholstered leather furniture | $20 - $120 |
| Fashion & Accessories Care | Specialized products for bags, shoes, and clothing leather | $15 - $80 |
| Textile Surface Care | Cleaning and protection for imitation leather and textile surfaces | $20 - $100 |
Manufacturing
All Colourlock products are developed and manufactured in Germany by Lederzentrum GmbH in Rosdorf. The company maintains in-house production and conducts rigorous testing through independent certification bodies including TÜV Rhineland to ensure compliance with German and Scandinavian safety standards.
Notable Products
- Colourlock Leather Cleaner - Professional leather cleaning product approved by Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz; supplied with VW vehicles featuring leather interiors
- Leather Shield - Long-term leather protection product developed through collaboration with automobile manufacturers; widely copied by larger chemical companies
- Fadegard Leather Conditioner - Leather conditioning product marketed in New Zealand and other markets for maintenance and restoration
- Leather Dyes - Color refreshment and customization products for individual leather color restoration
- Alcantara Care Products - Specialized cleaning and care solutions for Alcantara and suede surfaces
Reputation
Colourlock is recognized by automotive professionals and enthusiasts as a trusted, OEM-approved leather care solution with strong credentials from major manufacturers. The brand is valued for its rigorous testing standards, environmental safety certifications, and effectiveness across diverse leather types and applications. The company's products are used in manufacturing and service operations by all major European car brands, indicating professional-grade quality. The brand maintains a reputation for innovation, though it faces competition from larger chemical manufacturers who have replicated some of its formulations.
Sources (8)
- https://www.airline-suppliers.com/supplier/lederzentrum-gmbh-colourlock
- https://colourlockleathercare.co.nz/blogs/colourlock-articles/who-are-colourlock-leather-care
- https://www.koch-chemie.com/en/company/expertblog/growing-excellence
- https://www.koch-chemie.com/en/products/business-customers/colour-lock
- https://www.thefinisher.com/en/colourlock-leather-care/
- https://www.northdata.com/Lederzentrum%20GmbH,%20Unna/Amtsgericht%20Hamm%20HRB%2011800
- https://colourlock.myshopify.com
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmRmHY8elm4