Looking for an eco-friendly wetsuit? Look no further. In this article, you’ll learn about sustainable wetsuits that are made from non-harmful materials, emit fewer carbon emissions, and use fewer resources than traditional neoprene wetsuits.
Traditional wetsuits are made from petroleum-based neoprene, which is harmful to the environment and non-renewable. However, sustainable wetsuits made from limestone, recycled tires, or natural wetsuit rubber offer a more sustainable alternative. With these eco-friendly wetsuits, you can enjoy your time in the water without harming the planet.
Catch A Wave In The Top Totally Tubular Sustainable Wetsuits
When it comes to surfing, having a wetsuit that fits you well and keeps you warm is essential. But, what if you could have all that and be environmentally conscious at the same time? That’s where sustainable wetsuits come in. Here are seven top brands that offer eco-friendly wetsuits made from materials like Yulex®, limestone neoprene, and recycled materials.
1. Patagonia
Patagonia is a well-known brand that produces sustainable outdoor clothing made from natural and recycled materials. Their Yulex® wetsuits are no exception. These wetsuits are made from natural rubber that is renewable, FSC-certified, and emits fewer carbon emissions. Patagonia went above and beyond, developing the first neoprene-free wetsuit in 2012.
Their extensive lineup includes mostly Yulex® rubber options, like the full-body R3® Regulator. With a detachable hood, it’s perfect for play in COLD water. Comparing Yulex® vs neoprene, Yulex® natural rubber wetsuits are equally robust, but have a far lower carbon footprint, due to the fact that no petroleum is involved.
Patagonia also uses AquaA™ Glue, an eco-friendly glue for neoprene alternatives that don’t contain harmful chemicals or VOCs. Compared to conventional wetsuit manufacturers, Patagonia provides transparency through The Footprint Chronicles, which details what factory produces each item. As a Fair Trade brand and Certified B Corp, Patagonia’s manufacturing partners adhere to fair labor laws and regular audits. Each of the environmentally friendly wetsuits is produced in Fair Trade factories.
2. Picture Organic
Picture Organic is a Certified B Corp that produces eco wetsuits from limestone neoprene, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional options. Instead of a neoprene wetsuit, Picture Organic uses EcoPrene, a petroleum-free neoprene alternative made from limestone and recycled materials. Options like the Dome Front Zip Wetsuit are ideal for cold water surfing, with a thick watertight seal, durable construction, and safety features like knee pads.
Picture Organic develops environmentally-friendly wetsuits primarily out of limestone neoprene and recycled tires. This “EcoPrene” contains no virgin petroleum, but most of the eco-friendly wetsuits also contain components made of recycled polyester and recycled nylon. Picture Organic works with 22 global factories, but over 84% of its products are made in two factories in Dongguan, China, and Izmir, Turkey. As a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, all factories are audited to ensure fair employee treatment, wages, and conditions.
3. Billabong
Billabong has been around for 50 years, and with all that skin in the game comes some of the most eco-friendly wetsuits. Now, 100% of Billabong’s snow and water-wear are made using mostly recycled or sustainable materials. This includes board shorts, bikinis, rash guards, and recycled neoprene wetsuits.
Hybrid wetsuits like the Spring Fever Long-Sleeve provide a warm layer for spring surfing that remains light and maneuverable. Billabong’s main recycled wetsuit material is recycled neoprene blended with a little bit of virgin nylon. Other options pair recycled PET liners with water-based glues and foam from upcycled scrap rubber tires.
Under the same parent company as Quiksilver (Boardriders Inc.), Billabong adheres to the Quiksilver Ethical Standards of Trade. This includes a Supplier Workplace Code of Conduct, preventing abusive, exploitative, or illegal conditions in the workplace, and preventing human trafficking and slavery.
4. Vissla
Vissla is a surf brand that focuses on producing eco-friendly wetsuits that are both stylish and functional. Their 7 Seas wetsuits are made from a blend of upcycled car tires and limestone neoprene. These materials provide excellent flexibility and insulating properties, making them perfect for surfing in cold water.
Vissla’s eco-friendly wetsuits are produced in Fair Trade factories, ensuring fair labor practices and regular audits. The brand also uses Blind Stitched and Triple Glued seams, which are both durable and eco-friendly.
5. XCEL
XCEL is a surf brand that produces high-quality wetsuits made from eco-friendly materials. The Drylock X wetsuit is made from limestone neoprene, which provides excellent flexibility and insulating properties. The brand also uses a water-based glue that is free from harmful chemicals and VOCs.
XCEL’s eco-friendly wetsuits are produced in Fair Trade factories, ensuring fair labor practices and regular audits. The brand also has a recycling
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Why Choose Sustainable Wetsuits?
Wetsuits are typically made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber that is not biodegradable or renewable. The production process emits chloroprene, a toxic chemical that is harmful to humans and animals. This makes the production of wetsuits incredibly detrimental to the environment.
Choosing eco-friendly wetsuits made from sustainable materials, such as recycled materials or responsibly sourced materials, helps put an end to harmful production practices and chemicals that damage the environment. Sustainable wetsuits also have a lower carbon footprint and reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional wetsuits.
In addition, sustainable wetsuits are often fair trade certified, ensuring that workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions. They are also often endorsed by organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Surfrider Foundation, which promote the use of eco-conscious and greener products.
By choosing sustainable wetsuits, individuals can extend the life of their wetsuit while also protecting the ocean and the environment from deforestation and landfill waste. Sustainable wetsuits may be more expensive than traditional wetsuits, but they are a worthwhile investment for those who value the environment and want to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.
How We Chose The Best Eco-Friendly Wetsuits
When selecting the best eco-friendly wetsuits, the team used a variety of criteria to determine which options were the most sustainable. The following factors were considered:
Materials
One of the most important factors in selecting eco-friendly wetsuits is the materials used to create them. There are several alternatives to traditional neoprene that are more sustainable.
Natural rubber wetsuits, such as those made by Arizona’s Yulex® and Taiwan’s SHEICO Group, emit fewer emissions than traditional wetsuits and are theoretically biodegradable. However, they are often mixed with recycled synthetics, making them less sustainable than other options.
Japanese limestone neoprene, made by Japan’s Yamamoto Corporation, is more durable and sustainable than traditional neoprene. However, some sustainable brands, such as Patagonia, argue that limestone is still a non-renewable resource.
Recycled neoprene is another option that makes use of existing wetsuits that would otherwise go to waste.
Certifications
Certifications such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), bluesign®, and Rainforest Alliance were considered when selecting eco-friendly wetsuits. These certifications indicate that the materials used in the wetsuits were sustainably sourced and produced.
Supply Chain and Labor Practices
Brands with transparent, ethical supply chains and fair working conditions were preferred. Certifications such as B Corporation (B Corp), Fair Trade, and International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14001) were considered when selecting eco-friendly wetsuits.
Carbon Commitments & Green Practices
Brands that utilized alternative neoprene production methods to cut emissions, water usage, and energy consumption were favored. Recyclable or biodegradable packaging, carbon offset programs, and repair programs were also considered.
Take-back programs for recycling wetsuits at the end of their surfing days were also preferred, as neoprene recycling is still difficult to come by.
Inclusivity
Brands that offered additional size options for different body types were favored, making eco-friendly wetsuits accessible to a wider range of individuals.
Community & Charitable Giving
Most of the brands on the list contribute to social and environmental causes in some capacity, such as beach clean-ups or donating to surf organizations.
Final Thoughts On Sustainable & Recycled Wetsuits
Selecting high-quality products made from sustainable materials is a must for the environment and the individuals making the products. Traditional neoprene options are outdated and leach harmful chemicals into oceans. Swapping to non-neoprene wetsuits is one step in the right direction.
The team recommends sustainable wetsuits made from natural rubber, Japanese limestone neoprene, or recycled neoprene. Brands with sustainable certifications, ethical supply chains, carbon commitments, and inclusive sizing were preferred. Take-back programs for recycling wetsuits and charitable giving were also considered.
By selecting eco-friendly wetsuits, individuals can surf sustainably and protect the environment.
