Eco Friendly Neoprene? Neogreene
As an avid SCUBA Diver, Surfer and water sports guy, (a few) neoprene wetsuits are a standard for myself, and anyone living above or below the equator.
Neoprene is not the most eco-friendly material out there, even so called ‘green’ neoprene. All neoprene is made from a petroleum or limestone derivative, therefore each suit is a product of either mining or drilling.
It’s not just the neoprene itself that can be environmentally harmful. Very effective as a chemical-resistant material, it is very difficult to adhere and form into products (which is why you commonly see it stitched at seams to hold better). The adhesives used are very toxic and can include VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), toluene, formaldehyde and more.
Now a company called GreenSmart has introduced Neogreene, a neoprene like material made with a water based chemistry allowing for less toxic adhesives to be used. Currently it is only available for items such as laptop sleeves and bottle cases, but maybe it will someday make its way to wetsuits.
GreenSmart has abandoned the chloroprene chemistry of neoprene entirely and developed a material with all the attributes without the hazards, We call it neogreene. It is water based chemistry that allows for water based adhesives that still provides the squishy and smooth material with a little bit of stretch. Specific to all neoprene, neogreene uses 25% less electricity and 25% less petroleum to produce.
The Chic Ecologist Himself surfing on a small day in San Diego, CA
Using the limestone base, recycled materials, chlorine-free wool, recycled polyester, PVC-free kneepads and thinner neoprene layers (replaced by merino wool, therefore adding warmth), these really are the most environmentally responsible choice currently on the market. Hopefully in the near future there will be new developments in green materials that will someday replace neoprene altogether.
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