Currently, all major neoprene manufacturers have adapted to the applicable regulations, and in fact the neoprene we use:
- contains no Latex
- contains no Phthalates
- does not cause allergies
- is Limestone-based (limestone neoprene)
- complies with the REACH Regulation
It should be noted, however, that no neoprene material is completely environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, there are two very distinct types of neoprene available today: petroleum-based neoprene and limestone-based neoprene (Limestone), and they have significantly different characteristics. Therefore, the real question should be: “Can one type of neoprene be greener or more eco-friendly than the other?”
What makes Limestone neoprene a “greener” option is its use of more sustainable and less toxic resources during production, together with its longer service life. Limestone-based neoprene is generally considered more environmentally friendly than petrochemical neoprene, although there is still a long way to go before a wetsuit and its manufacturing process can truly be considered “green”.
Neoprene cannot be disposed of through standard recycling systems because it is, in fact, a synthetic rubber. However, there are currently a few companies that recycle neoprene from discarded wetsuits to manufacture various products.
The new “green” materials
Today, materials defined as “green”, such as Yulex®, are available on the market.
Yulex® is the first natural rubber developed as a sustainable alternative to chloroprene rubber, representing a significant step toward greater environmental responsibility in the synthetic materials industry.
Yulex® foam is produced using a combination of renewable resources and sustainable agricultural practices, significantly reducing its environmental impact compared to traditional materials.
The natural rubber emulsion comes exclusively from sustainably managed Hevea brasiliensis plantations certified by PEFC and FSC®.
After the latex is extracted from the tree, the emulsion undergoes a refining and purification process designed to remove impurities such as proteins, oils, and residues while ensuring a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. This is because the polymer is produced using solar energy during the manufacturing process, resulting in up to approximately 80% lower climate-altering CO2 emissions compared to traditional neoprene. In addition, the process removes approximately 99% of impurities, including the proteins responsible for latex allergies, resulting in a non-sensitizing natural elastomer.
The emulsion is then concentrated and coagulated before being blended with high-quality ingredients to create solid rubber. This rubber is subsequently washed, ground, and dried, ready to be transformed into the so-called rubber “blocks.”
As the final step, the rubber blocks are cut into individual sheets, which are then laminated with fabrics and prepared for manufacturing.
In essence, it is a 100% plant-based, renewable, biodegradable material that contains no petroleum, limestone, or acetylene.
This versatile material is also used in footwear, automotive products, bags and accessories, suspenders and sleeves, yoga equipment, cycling gear, and many other applications.
“PutMeOn’s Commitment to the Environment”
Today, PutMeOn’s commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of our business is demonstrated through several initiatives, including:
- the use of Limestone-based neoprene
- optimizing our cutting and manufacturing processes to minimize production waste
- offering a repair service that gives new life to wetsuits that would otherwise no longer be usable
- organizing periodic wetsuit trade-in campaigns, allowing customers to return their old wetsuit and receive a discount on the purchase of a new one
In addition, we are developing a creative upcycling initiative that allows us to reuse production scraps and/or old wetsuits to create products such as insulated bottle sleeves, keychains, coasters, mouse pads, and many other accessories.
