Neoprene is not traditionally a very environmentally sound product. It's oil-based, although, in recent years, leading t manufacturers have......
Neoprene is not traditionally a very environmentally sound product. It's oil-based, although, in recent years, leading t manufacturers have moved over to neoprene made from limestone chips. Whilst this is undoubtedly better, it's still less than perfect, and when you're trying to move towards being more sustainable, it's pretty demoralising to have a wetsuit all wrapped up in plastic come into the store!
It is exciting that a few new products have found their way into the dive market in the Fourth Element Surface, Aqualung Xscape and Scubapro Everflex Yulex wetsuits. Yulex suits are aimed at a multi-sport market, so whether it's just for Scuba or for some open water swimming, these suits will fit the bill. In addition, they are made from a material called Yulex.
What is Yulex? Yulex Pure™ is FSC® Certified, ultra-pure natural rubber made in the USA. The plants are grown without artificial irrigation systems, and the materials are processed with recycled water. Even the waste plant material after the rubber extraction process is used as biomass fuel for electricity generation. A lot of products from Yulex also include polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. So, for example, the Scubapro Yulex wetsuit contains up to 45 recycled plastic bottles.
If you're an environmentally conscious diver looking for a new wetsuit, look no further than these suits.