Providing insulation and protection, wetsuits are an essential item for those who love water activities, particularly in cool-climate environments. However, not many people realise the detrimental environmental impacts of neoprene, the synthetic rubber that has long been used to make wetsuits.
In recent years, neoprene has been under the microscope for its environmental footprint and wetsuit manufacturers are looking towards more sustainable materials to manufacture their wares. In this article, we’ll look at why neoprene wetsuits are bad for the environment and some of the more sustainable wetsuit alternatives you can consider as an eco-friendly surfer.
Why is neoprene bad for the environment?
The production of neoprene involves the extraction and processing of petroleum-based materials, resulting in carbon dioxide emissions, habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, the manufacturing process often involves the use of toxic chemicals and waste products that are detrimental to the environment through water contamination. With multiple stages of heating and curing, neoprene production is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Any surfer knows that their wetsuit has a finite lifespan, with most ending up in landfill after only a few seasons of use. As neoprene is non-biodegradable, these wetsuits will simply end up accumulating with the mass of synthetic materials that are already failing to decompose. While companies like Rip Curl (in collaboration with TerraCycle) have started wetsuit recycling initiatives, the rise in sustainable materials is providing promising alternatives.
Sustainable wetsuit alternatives
From natural rubber to recycled materials, there are exciting developments taking place in the world of wetsuit design. It’s worth noting that some eco-friendly wetsuit manufacturers use a combination of different materials to achieve performance and durability that is comparable to neoprene.
Natural rubber
Wetsuits made from natural rubber provide an eco-friendly alternative as they are made from a source that is biodegradable and renewable. Sustainably managed rubber tree plantations can provide an ongoing source of material, without the trees being harmed during harvesting. Compared to neoprene, natural rubber requires less energy in its production process.
Yulex
Yulex is a plant-based material that is derived from the guayule plant (Parthenium argentatum). This perennial woody shrub is native to the Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico/southwest United States. While it offers similar insulating properties to neoprene, its cultivation requires far less water, helping to reduce the material’s environmental impact. As a sustainable wetsuit choice, Yulex is becoming increasingly popular.
Recycled materials
Some wetsuit manufacturing companies are now drawing on recycled materials to create their wetsuits, giving new life to a product that would otherwise end up in landfill. Repurposing plastic bottles and other waste products into wetsuits can not only play an important role in diverting waste from landfills but also reduce the demand for virgin materials (such as natural rubber).
Biomaterials
One of the most exciting areas of wetsuit innovation is in the development of biomaterials that provide similar insulative properties to neoprene. Renewable resources such as algae and fungi are being tested for their potential use in wetsuits. Without the detrimental environmental impact of neoprene, they could offer a sustainable wetsuit solution.
Limestone neoprene
While limestone neoprene has a higher carbon footprint than natural rubber, it is lauded as being more flexible and warmer. Instead of petroleum-based ingredients, it uses calcium carbonate from limestone in its manufacture. It’s important to keep in mind that limestone is still a mined and non-renewable resource, making it a less sustainable wetsuit option.
7 wetsuit brands working towards a more sustainable surf
Looking to upgrade your neoprene wetsuit with a more eco-friendly option? The following list includes brands that are working towards greater sustainability. While most admit they aren’t yet perfect, they are all taking action to reduce their carbon and environmental footprint through sustainable material sourcing and improved production processes.
Patagonia
Patagonia has been a pioneer in creating neoprene-free wetsuits, with their first one hitting the market in 2012. Today, their Yulex wetsuits come from FSC and Rainforest Alliance-certified sources while the glue they use is eco-friendly and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or VOCs.
Billabong
Made from 100% recycled Superflex jersey and sustainably sourced Yulex, the Furnace Natural is the most eco-friendly wetsuit that Billabong makes. The zipperless entry reduces waste while the thermally-retentive, Graphene-infused yarns are designed to keep you toasty warm.
needessentials
needessentials produces FSC-certified Yulex and limestone neoprene wetsuits that offer a more sustainable alternative to petrochemical-based neoprene. Each wetsuit is manufactured using 45 recycled plastic bottles and a solvent-free glue containing no harmful chemicals.
Vissla
Vissla’s eco-friendly wetsuits are crafted from Japanese limestone neoprene and recycled tyres, together with water-based glues and dope-dyed yarns that reduce energy consumption and water pollution. The company’s fabric mills have been certified as a bluesign System Partner for their responsible use of the Earth’s resources.
XCEL
Designed in Hawaii, XCEL produces limestone neoprene wetsuits, each of which uses 45 plastic bottles in its creation. They are manufactured with dope-dyed yarn, water-based glue and scrap tyres in a process that produces 72% fewer carbon emissions than a traditional neoprene wetsuit.
Project Blank
Designed to be high-performing and environmentally friendly, Project Blank produces a collection of wetsuits made from Yulex and recycled car tyres. The company prides itself on being plastic-free (they have also stopped over 250,000 single-use plastic bottles from ending up in the ocean) and a tree is planted with every order.
Seea
Made in California, Seea’s women’s wetsuits are small-batch and locally produced from Yulex. Aside from being neoprene-free, they are working towards using recycled materials in their swimwear and diverting deadfloor fabrics from landfill into new garments.