Why Is A Yulex Wetsuit A Sustainable Choice?

The majority of wetsuits that you’ll see available to buy are made from neoprene - this is the trade name given to polychloroprene rubber. Brands use neoprene to make wetsuits and watersports gear because it’s insulating, hardwearing and versatile. However, there’s one big problem. Neoprene has an incredibly bad impact on the environment. That’s why many divers are considering a yulex wetsuit as a more sustainable alternative.

What's The Problem With Neoprene?

The main issue with neoprene is that it is non-biodegradable. In fact, it’s so non-biodegradable that it’s often used to line landfills. The material is incredibly difficult to reuse or repurpose, and as a result, it’s estimated that more than 8000 wetsuits end up in landfill every year. Another problem that comes with this, is that neoprene has to be incinerated in order to be destroyed, causing large amounts of pollution to be released into the atmosphere.

As divers, it’s crucial that we do as much as we can to protect the oceans we dive in. That’s why at Aquanauts, we do our bit to combat the neoprene problem. Circular Flow, the founders of neoprene recycling, have finally found a way to repurpose waste neoprene material, and have partnered with PADI to offer a free collection service from PADI dive centres across the UK. Initially part of our ‘Neoprene November’initiative, we have created a free drop off point at the Aquanauts store for our customers and friends to drop off their unwanted neoprene products to be collected and taken to the Circular Flow factory for repurposing. This has proven to be a great success so far, and we’re excited about other measures we can take like introducing a yulex wetsuit into our collection as a sustainable alternative to neoprene.

What Is A Yulex Wetsuit?

Yulex is a natural plant-based rubber that provides a clean alternative to neoprene. The natural rubber is sourced from Forest Stewardship Council-certified rubber tree farms. Specialist methods are then used to purify the natural rubber, in order to remove contaminants that are usually found in synthetic materials. A yulex wetsuit offers exceptional comfort and durability, without damaging the planet in the process. Let’s take a closer look at the main features of the Scubapro yulex wetsuit that’s available to buy from Aquanauts.

Scubapro Everflex Yulex Wetsuit

Sustainably made from yulex plant-based foam, Scubapro’s yulex wetsuit benefits from the following key features that are beneficial for both users and the environment:

Superb Water Compression Resistance:  a yulex wetsuit is exceptionally durable and will ensure years of use at any depth.

Environmentally Friendly Inside & Out:  the polyester lining is made from 45 recycled plastic bottles.

Pure Design Concept:  the design features fewer seams and panels in order to maximise freedom of movement.

Solvent-Free Glue:  free from nasty chemicals that are harmful to both humans and the environment.

Updated Diamond Span Lining:  warm inner-fleece layer made from water-draining material enhances comfort and protection in cold water.

New Paper Packaging:  rather than using plastic packaging, this yulex wetsuit is packaged in material that is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable after use.

What Other Yulex Products Are There?

Given that yulex has so many benefits for both users and the planet, it’s no wonder that scuba diving gear manufacturers are starting to use the material in other products. There’s still a lot of work to be done to make diving equipment as sustainable as it should be, but some of the best other yulex products include the Scubapro Everflex Yulex 2.0 Hooded Vest, perfect for preventing heat loss, and the Aqua Lung Xscape Wetsuit, a great alternative if the Scubapro yulex wetsuit isn’t right for you.

For more information on the yulex wetsuit including details on choosing the correct size, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.