The Why

Stop millions of wetsuits going to landfill

Wetsuits and other neoprene products are often underestimated as a source of pollution and landfill waste. However, the exponential growth of the number of people who practice various water sports, coupled with the lack of sustainable collection and recycling systems for this type of products means that the issue is more serious than ever.

We calculate that globally, an estimated ~10,500 tonnes of wetsuits reach end-of-life globally every year, with the majority probably headed for landfill.

The calculation is as follows:

We have applied circa $300 USD as the average price of a wetsuit. This is very conservative due to the high volume of supermarket suits that are now being sold.

We have applied an average weight of 1.5kg

Based on our own experience and retail contact research, we have chosen to be conservative again with the average lifespan and have put this as 5 years. So based on the 2023 market volume of 7.3M units × 1.5 kg, we estimate that those units would reach their end of life by 2028 which would be around ~10,500 tonnes of neoprene probably headed for landfill.

*This end-of-life figure does not include the estimated 7,600 tonnes of neoprene cutting scrap generated annually by wetsuit manufacturers in South East Asia and China. Combined, the total addressable neoprene waste stream is approximately 18,000 tonnes per year.

What is the environmental impact of neoprene when it goes to landfill or is incinerated?

Neoprene is non-biodegradable, meaning it remains in our environment for hundreds of years.
Here are some of the ways it affects the planet when discarded

1. Persistence in Landfills

  • Non-Biodegradable: Neoprene can persist for centuries, contributing to our growing waste problem.
  • Leachate Contamination: As it degrades, harmful chemicals may leach into soil and water, impacting ecosystems and potentially human health.

2. Release of Toxic Chemicals

  • Chloroprene: A carcinogen that poses risks to wildlife and humans.
  • Heavy Metals & Additives: Potentially includes lead, which can pollute soil and water.
  • Burning Toxins: Produces dioxins, furans, and hydrochloric acid, harmful to health.

3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions

  • CO₂ & N₂O: Released during production and incineration, contributing to global warming.
  • Energy-Intensive Manufacturing: Producing neoprene requires significant fossil fuel energy, which adds to its carbon footprint.

4. Impact on Wildlife

  • Ingestion by Animals: Wildlife may mistakenly ingest neoprene debris, leading to physical harm, blockages, or poisoning from the chemicals in the material.
  • Habitat Disruption: Neoprene waste in the environment can affect ecosystems by altering natural habitats.

5. Microplastic Pollution

  • Fragmentation: Over time, neoprene can break down into smaller particles, becoming part of the microplastic pollution problem. These small particles can be ingested by marine life, which can then enter the food chain, potentially harming human health.

6. Air Quality Concerns

  • Particulate Matter: Incineration can generate particulate emissions that deteriorate air quality and may have health effects on nearby populations.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These compounds can also be released, which can contribute to smog and respiratory problems.

Mechanical Neoprene Recycling vs. Carbon Black

Mechanical Neoprene Recycling

  • Shreds & reprocesses old neoprene into usable material – Renoprene
  • Keeps wetsuits, gloves & neoprene gear out of landfills
  • Lower energy use compared to chemical processes
  • Creates new foam sheets, padding & products

Carbon Black

  • Produced by burning hydrocarbons (fossil fuel–intensive)
  • Widely used as filler in tires, rubber & plastics
  • High carbon footprint, not inherently circular
  • Lacks direct reuse of old neoprene

Better for the planet because:

Worse for the planet because:

  • It reuses existing waste, keeping material out of landfills.
  • It reduces demand for virgin resources.
  • It has a lower carbon footprint.
  • It’s made by burning fossil fuels.
  • Production is energy- and emission-intensive.
  • It doesn’t recycle neoprene at all.

The difference?

Mechanical neoprene recycling extends the life of existing materials and reduces waste, while carbon black relies on virgin fossil resources. One closes the loop, the other digs it deeper.

We know that the market will be in excess of $2bn in 2022, therefore the problem is getting larger not smaller (source: Technavio market research).

We can make the assumption that most wetsuits are ‘‘probably headed for landfill’ as most, once disposed of, are not recycled (less than 1% of all textile waste is) and there will also be a significant volume that is yet to be disposed of.

If the 18,000 tonnes of neoprene waste is set against 92,000,000 tonnes of global textile waste, we do not believe to be over stating the issue. Especially as it doesn’t include all other neoprene products.

To provide a sense of scale that equates to over one million wetsuits a year going to waste!

While there are recent developments in more eco-friendly neoprene using natural rubber, there is a long way to go before we reach the point where this type of material substitutes conventional neoprene, which is based on petroleum. Whether for the additional R&D required or just for pure price premium, it would take many years until we reach the point where a wetsuit is biodegradable and hence its disposal is rather harmless.

Finding an effective and sustainable solution to the problem of disposing of wetsuits and other neoprene products has become one of the core goals of our company. It is this challenge that created our mission and the reason why we need to halt the damage to the planet, while still remaining enthusiasts for the outdoor life and watersports.