Leaving Petroleum based neoprene behind

Sailing is a sport that involves various products and accessories, most of which are made using petroleum-based materials, making it less eco-friendly than it seems. Sailboats, sails, foils, wetsuits, and clothing all contribute to a significant carbon footprint. However, several companies have now started exploring alternative materials to reduce their environmental impact.

One area where notable progress has been made is in the wetsuit industry. Manufacturers have shifted to using limestone-based neoprene instead of petroleum-based neoprene, resulting in the creation of superior, greener, and longer-lasting products. Limestone, a sedimentary rock, contains calcium carbonate that can be used to create limestone-based chloroprene rubber chips, known as neoprene.

While it is true that a significant amount of energy is required to produce neoprene from limestone, limestone neoprene producers are making efforts to minimize their environmental impact by using renewable energy sources such as hydroelectricity. It's important to note that limestone is not a limitless resource, but it is expected to last for the next 50-80 years, unlike petroleum. Additionally, limestone reserves in the mountains of Japan are estimated to be sufficient for the next 3,000 years.

Limestone neoprene is characterized by a high micro-cell structure, consisting of independent closed cells packed together at an extremely high density within the neoprene. Each individual cell is filled with nitrogen gas, offering several advantages over petroleum-based neoprene.

High Performance: Limestone-based neoprene maintains excellent performance characteristics, such as buoyancy and elasticity overtime due to its cell memory.

Warmer: Limestone-based neoprene has improved insulation properties compared to its petroleum-based counterpart. This means better heat retention, keeping you warmer in cold water environments.

Low water absorption: With its closed cells and high air concentration, the wetsuit absorbs less water, resulting in faster drying time.

Lightweight and Flexible: Limestone-based neoprene is known for being lighter and more flexible than traditional neoprene. This allows for greater freedom of movement, enhancing comfort and performance.

Durability: Limestone-based neoprene tends to be more durable than petroleum-based neoprene, offering better resistance to abrasions and wear over time. Which will give longer life time of your products if properly used and cared for.

Less additives vs petroleum-based neoprene: Limestone neoprene has less chemical additives, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions from usage of the wetsuits.

We acknowledge that the use of limestone-based neoprene in wetsuits cannot be fully labelled as "environmentally friendly." However, we believe that it is a much better choice than petroleum-based neoprene because it is more sustainable and provides better functionality. Sailors who demand high-quality products and are mindful of the full life cycle of their wetsuits will find it to be the obvious choice.

We are dedicated to making our products eco-friendlier by using sustainable production methods and alternative materials. We are working hard to reduce our ecological footprint by reviewing our packaging materials and transportation choices. We take pride in creating high-quality wetsuits, clothing, and accessories that are both functional and environmentally responsible.