By choosing renewable natural rubber from hevea trees grown in the highlands of Guatemala, we’re reducing CO2 emissions by up to ~80% when compared to conventional, nonrenewable neoprene—causing less harm to the planet we love and the oceans that give us waves to ride.
The Yulex emulsion removes over 99% of impurities and delivers a stronger, non-sensitizing natural material. Plant sources are irrigated by ambient rainfall and a recycled water supply is used in manufacturing.
Accordance with the principles and criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council® ensures that our source plantation isn’t contributing to deforestation, and that it’s managed in a way that maintains the ecological functions and integrity of the forest
The Rainforest Alliance—an international nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods, with a focus on tropical landscapes—performs audits to confirm that the plantation adheres to the FSC’s standards on the ground.
The FSC standards require that forest management operations “enhance the long-term social and economic well-being of forest workers and local communities,” and that they meet or exceed all applicable laws covering the health and safety of employees and their families.
In contrast to agricultural operations that rely on migrant labor, the workers at our source plantation are given extended contracts, bringing steady income and generating a more skilled and stable workforce.
Surfers have been relying on neoprene for more than 60 years, but it’s a nonrenewable material with an energy-intensive manufacturing process. In 2008, we started experimenting with renewable natural rubber to help us reduce our reliance on petrochemicals.
Our R&D work with hevea rubber eventually revealed another benefit that was just as important—because the polymer was produced in trees instead of factories, using solar energy instead of generated electricity, up to ~80% less climate-altering CO2 was emitted in the manufacturing process when compared to conventional neoprene.
The highest possible recycled polyester content in our high-stretch exterior and interior linings lessens our use of petroleum to make virgin polyester while repurposing scrap material from the waste stream.
Unique in the surf industry, we stand behind every wetsuit we sell. If it doesn’t perform to your satisfaction, we’ll take it back for replacement, refund or repair.
Because we know prioritizing durability results in consuming less energy, wasting less water and creating less trash.
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Everything we make has an impact on people and the planet. Learn more about our environmental and social responsibility program.
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We’ve pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.
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