Interluxe Leather: Is GM’s Vegan Alternative Just Plastic?

 

 

Interluxe is General Motors’ (GM) proprietary synthetic leatherette material, introduced to provide a premium yet animal-free alternative for vehicle interiors. First launched with the 2022 Cadillac XT4, Interluxe has been incorporated into various Cadillac crossover models.

Composition and Durability

Interluxe is a plastic-coated fabric designed to mimic the appearance and texture of genuine leather. While it offers an initial aesthetic appeal, concerns have been raised about its long-term durability. Over time, Interluxe may stiffen, peel, and crack, potentially leading to a need for replacement.

How to Clean and Protect Interluxe Leather

Unlike genuine leather, Interluxe is non-porous, meaning traditional leather conditioners and balms won’t absorb into the surface. Instead, it requires specialised care to maintain its look and feel. But the LRC protection cream will provide outstanding protection due to its natural bees wax content. Faux leathers are not breathable materials.

 

1. Cleaning Interluxe Leather

To prevent dirt buildup, stains, and surface wear, regular cleaning is essential:

✔️ Daily Maintenance

• Wipe down surfaces with pH-balanced leather cleaner and a soft bamboo cloth to remove dust and light debris.
• Avoid using all-purpose cleaners (APCs), as they can be too harsh and degrade the surface over time.

✔️ Deep Cleaning

• Use a dedicated pH-balanced leather cleaner designed for synthetic materials.
• Apply the cleaner to a bamboo pad and gently wipe the surface using circular motions.
• Avoid steam cleaning, as high heat can weaken the synthetic coating and cause premature deterioration.

2. Protecting Interluxe Leather

Since Interluxe does not absorb moisture or oils, conditioning products designed for real leather are ineffective. Instead, focus on surface protection:

 

 

 

 

✔️ Use a Leather Protection Spray

• Apply a high-quality leather protection spray to create a barrier against stains, spills, and UV damage.
• This prevents premature wear and keeps the surface looking fresh.

✔️ Shield from Direct Sunlight

• Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause discolouration and cracking.
• Where possible, park in shaded areas or use sunshades to minimise exposure.

 

Can Interluxe Leather Be Repaired?

While Interluxe is durable, it is not as repairable as real leather. Minor scuffs and surface marks can sometimes be improved with specialist products, but cracking, peeling, or deep scratches often require replacement rather than repair.

For severely damaged areas, professional restoration may be an option, but results can be limited due to the synthetic nature of the material and replacement may be the only option available.

Interluxe offers a vegan-friendly alternative to traditional leather in GM vehicles. However, to ensure its longevity and maintain its appearance, owners should adhere to proper care and maintenance routines, utilising appropriate cleaning and protective products specifically designed for synthetic leather materials.

 

 

The Environmental Impact of Interluxe Leather

While Interluxe is marketed as a vegan-friendly alternative, its environmental impact raises concerns. Unlike genuine leather, which is biodegradable over time, Interluxe is a plastic-based material that does not naturally decompose. Instead, it contributes to plastic waste and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills.

Additionally, the manufacturing process of synthetic leathers like these involves petrochemicals, leading to higher CO₂ emissions compared to traditional leather production. Ironically, while designed to reduce animal use, it can have longer-lasting negative effects on the planet due to microplastic pollution and non-recyclable waste.

If sustainability is a priority, understanding the full lifecycle impact of synthetic materials like Interluxe is essential. 🌍♻️