Surfing – the epitome of freedom and being one with nature. But there is a problem right here. The materials we use for surfing are anything but environmentally friendly.
Fortunately, there has been a rethink in the surf industry and neoprene can now be replaced by great environmentally friendly alternatives. Find out here what the new materials do better than conventional neoprene and if it is possible to find eco-friendly wetsuits.
Eco-friendly wetsuits
Why is traditional neoprene harmful to the environment?
In the past, warmth, flexibility and comfort were the only requirements that wetsuit manufacturers had to fulfil. Since then, neoprene has been used to manufacture wetsuits for precisely these reasons. But what is so bad about neoprene?
This starts with the manufacturers of the wetsuits and the neoprene material itself. Neoprene is made from synthetic rubber using petroleum. During production, toxins are released into the environment and chemicals are produced that can be dangerous to both marine life and humans if they enter our waters.
In addition, some conventional wetsuits are manufactured in factories overseas, where environmental regulations are usually not as strict as in the western world. This means harmful chemicals created during production are likely to be released into the environment without regulation or supervision. And the many binders and colourants also cause problems.
Eco-friendly Wetsuits
What makes the difference in eco-friendly wetsuits?
Nowadays, the environmental friendliness of the materials and the production methods used to make a wetsuit take centre stage.
However, it is difficult to say what makes the difference for eco-friendly wetsuits. Broadly speaking, any ‘wetsuit’ made from renewable materials and using methods that reduce CO2 emissions in any form is considered environmentally friendly.
Eco-friendly Wetsuits
The most popular neoprene alternatives
Fortunately, wetsuits are slowly being replaced by more eco-friendly wetsuits made from more environmentally friendly materials.
Eco-friendly wetsuits are made from sustainable, renewable materials and therefore help to minimise the impact on the environment. Thanks to new innovations, it is even possible to enjoy the same or better thermal insulation, flexibility and comfort as old wetsuits.
Limestone neoprene
One of the most popular and affordable alternatives to neoprene is limestone neoprene. This is a material that is made from pulverised limestone and has similar properties to conventional neoprene, but is far less harmful to the environment.
However, the extraction process is energy-intensive and non-renewable.
Despite this, limestone neoprene is much more durable than conventional neoprene. This leads to a longer lifespan, which is good for both your wallet and the environment.
Yulex neoprene
A very popular, but also more expensive alternative to neoprene is Yulex neoprene made from rubber. This type of neoprene is made from the natural rubber guayule, which is grown in North America.
Yulex neoprene is free from harmful toxins and does not release any hazardous chemicals during the production process. Furthermore, Yulex wetsuits are completely biodegradable, making this material an all-rounder in terms of environmental friendliness.
Recycled neoprene
Recycled neoprene is made from materials such as old fishing nets or remnants of neoprene fabric. This not only lowers the environmental costs of producing new neoprene, but also reduces marine litter.
However, it also means that you will probably have to replace your eco-friendly wetsuits more often. This in turn could be less sustainable in the long run.
Bioprene (mineralprene)
Bioprene is made from neoprene fabric, which consists of recycled natural materials such as crushed shells.
The material has similar properties to conventional natural rubber, but is much more environmentally friendly. Another advantage of bioprene is that it is completely free of harmful chemicals and toxins.
Ariaprene
Ariaprene is a material made from chemical pellets that are processed into a foam. It is not based on petroleum and is non-toxic, quick-drying and highly insulating.
Ariaprene is also hypoallergenic and therefore suitable for allergy sufferers and people with sensitive skin. It is also completely recyclable.
EicoPrene
Another alternative to neoprene that doesn’t cost a fortune is EicoPrene. It is made from a mixture of limestone and recycled tyres. One disadvantage is that the manufacturing process is quite energy-intensive.
On the other hand, it does not require the burning of fossil fuels, nor do you have to dig too deep into your pockets. Eicoprene is one of the most affordable, environmentally friendly natural rubber materials on the market.
Eco-friendly Wetsuits
Brands with eco-friendly materials
Xcel: A brand that is known in the surfing world for its high-quality wetsuits. They use limestone neoprene in many models of their wetsuits.
O’Neill: One of the oldest and most respected brands in the surf industry. They offer a range of surf wetsuits made from limestone neoprene.
Quiksilver: An iconic surf brand that incorporates limestone neoprene into some of their wetsuit models.
Rip Curl: An international surf brand known for their innovative and high quality products. They have also introduced limestone neoprene in some of their wetsuit models.
Patagonia: They were one of the first to use Yulex in their wetsuits. This brand requires a certain budget, but you get quality in return.
Picture Organic Clothing: A French brand committed to using sustainable materials such as Yulex and Eicoprene in their products.
If you are more interested in the topic of environmentally conscious surfing, then take a look here.
“I think when a surfer becomes a surfer, it’s almost an obligation to become an environmentalist at the same time.“
Kelly Slater
