Eco-Friendly Wetsuits
Wetsuits are a basic necessity for most surfers, but unfortunately traditionally made wetsuits are damaging to the natural environments that they love and depend on. Most wetsuits are made from neoprene, a material usually made from oil -based rubber in a process that utilizes a lot of energy, leaks greenhouse gases and chemicals into the environment, and does not biodegrade. Neoprene manufacturing has been linked to cancer in entire communities in the United States. Some neoprene wetsuits are made from limestone-based rubber, this process does not rely on fossil fuels, but is only slightly more environmentally friendly in that it is still an energy intensive process.
Unsurprisingly, Patagonia began leading the charge by using an eco-friendly natural rubber derived from plants in 2016. Patagonia uses Yulex,® a natural rubber is produced by hevea trees, rubberwood trees found in the Amazon region of South America. They also partner with Forest Stewardship Council® to ensure that their hevea-derived rubber is not contributing to deforestation and is sourced only from plantations that preserve biodiversity and ecological integrity.
@captainlizclark reveals more about the detriments of wetsuits, note that she partners with Patagonia.
Here are 4 Eco-Friendly Wetsuits to Choose From
Patagonia Yulex® Wetsuits Patagonia offers an entire line of wetsuits for men and women made from Yulex® natural rubber farmed from FSC® certified forests. This line of wetsuits also utilizes water-saving dye and harmful chemical-reducing glue techniques, as well as recycled polyester. Patagonia estimates that by using these materials and techniques, that they are reducing CO2 emissions by 80% during the manufacturing process and 96% during the dyeing process, when compared to traditional wetsuit manufacturing.
Seea Yulex® Wetsuits Seea recently launched a line of whimsical Yulex® wetsuits for women. Seea’s wetsuit line is also made in a factory in Thailand that invests in environmental responsibility and a bluesign® certified dyeing process.
Ansea Yulex® Wetsuits - Ansea makes gorgeous wetsuits for women made from 85% Yulex.®
The next time you’re in the market for a new wetsuit, make a choice that helps protect the waves you love.
