Surfer in eco wetsuit

Our Favourite Eco Wetsuit Brands

At Wetsuit Outlet, everything we do comes back to the ocean. Without it, our business wouldn't exist.

That’s why we are super excited to stock brands that have been swapping out their harmful materials and processes to make wetsuits that have less of an impact on the planet. From neoprene free wetsuits to dope-dyed yarn, development in eco-tech are really taking off. So, we caught up with Jemma, our Wetsuit Buyer, to find out which brands have been doing what when it comes to wetsuit eco-technology.

Rip Curl

Rip Curl’s goal is to encourage a more sustainable lifestyle that will help restore the planet. Rip Curl has been working towards this goal with various projects from simple beach cleans, to donating $121,000 USD towards protecting the New Caledonia reef. Rip Curl’s Dawn Patrol Performance Eco Wetsuit Range is made with sustainability in mind. 100% neoprene free, this wetsuit is made from bio-based foam which is constructed using renewable resources including sugar cane, oyster shells and rubber trees.

In addition, Ripcurl is now a B-corp certified, joining a global community of businesses that are driving accountability for their impact on people, the planet, and the community.

Quiksilver

Over the past 20 years, Quiksilver have been making changes and running projects with the aim to become more sustainable. For example, they have used over 200 million recycled plastic bottles to create their products. Recently they launched the M-sessions wetsuits and Everyday Sessions wetsuits which produce 24% fewer CO2 emissions than their other wetsuits. The M-sessions wetsuit incorporates WarmFlight technology which is made from recycled PET bottles and the neoprene used is limestone-derivated made from scrap rubber tyres.

Xcel

From greener product technologies to cleaner operations, XCEL constantly strives to minimise their environmental impact. Every XCEL wetsuit uses dope-dyed yarn that saves tremendous amounts of water while reducing energy consumption and water pollution. On top of that, they’ve also replaced the carbon black, a key ingredient of neoprene, with scrap rubber tyres that reduce CO2 emission by 200g per wetsuit. The neoprene is made using their recycled production waste, limestone, and oyster shells, and is stuck together using water-based glue.

Gul

Surf consciously without compromising on flexibility. Flexor Recore Eco Wetsuits are made with limestone foam and are laminated with Recore X-Flex and lined with our new recycled nylon, thereby turning waste into reusable yarns. Our recycled Recore nylon is extremely flexible and has a smooth hand feel.

Roxy

Both the Swell and Current of cool Wetsuit ranges use water-based glues and recycled polyester that has 25 recycled plastic bottles in each suit. The Pop Surf collection is not only stylish but is also created with the most updated technologies to ensure they provide the best performance.

Billabong

Now, every Billabong wetsuit is made from recycled laminates, saving millions of plastic bottles from landfills and our oceans. Billabong's Natural Furnace Wetsuit has taken it to the next level and is 100% neoprene free and 100% recyclable. Amazingly, this biodegradable wetsuit has a durability that's made to last. But, made to last does not have to mean here forever. So, when you're done with your wetsuit, the CiCLO fibres will eventually break down and disappear.

Mystic

Mystic have been striving towards a more sustainable world and have been making changes to do so. By using eco-friendly shipping materials, reducing plastic outputs in packaging and biodegradable wetsuit bags and incorporating organic cotton into their production line, they’re taking a step in the right direction. The Mystic Jayde Wetsuit range as well as the Mystic Majestic range incorporates Yamamoto limestone neoprene which is considered one of the best neoprene’s in the market not only because its kinder to the environment but also its high stretch ratio and top-notch insulation.

O'Neill

O'Neill makes continuous efforts to reduce their impact on the environment by implementing cleaner operations and utilizing greener product technologies. O’Neill’s Blueprint Wetsuit Range as well as their Hyperfreak Fire Wetsuit ranges are some of “their warmest, highest performing sustainable wetsuit to date”; the legacy of innovation continues with the latest exclusive eco-friendly TB4 materials and our most minimalistic panel design yet. The Blueprint uses the ultra-warm and stretchy TechnoButter 4 Firewall to introduce full coverage, including arms, body, and low legs.

 

Written by Lucy Harris.

Updated on 21st April 2023

Originally published on 23rd March 2022 in Wetsuit Guides

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