Patagonia's Wetsuits Ditch Neoprene For a More Renewable Alternative
Rahul Kalvapalle — August 10, 2016 — Lifestyle
References: patagoniaworks & newatlas
Outdoor apparel and gear manufacturer Patagonia has decided to go ahead and fully embrace the use of eco-friendly natural materials in the construction of its water-focused apparel by introducing a brand new line of rubber wetsuits that do not feature any neoprene.
These rubber wetsuits rely on the incorporation of an innovative new plant polymer called Yulex, that is derived from Hevea trees in Guatemala. What's great about this particular material is the fact that it makes it possible to reduce wetsuit carbon dioxide emissions by around 80 percent.
It was long believed that there was no viable alternative to neoprene in wetsuit construction, but Patagonia's rubber wetsuits prove that it's possible to enjoy an eco-friendly wetsuit without compromising on performance and comfort in any way.
These rubber wetsuits rely on the incorporation of an innovative new plant polymer called Yulex, that is derived from Hevea trees in Guatemala. What's great about this particular material is the fact that it makes it possible to reduce wetsuit carbon dioxide emissions by around 80 percent.
It was long believed that there was no viable alternative to neoprene in wetsuit construction, but Patagonia's rubber wetsuits prove that it's possible to enjoy an eco-friendly wetsuit without compromising on performance and comfort in any way.
Trend Themes
1. Eco-friendly Wetsuits - Innovative natural materials are being used to make wetsuits more eco-friendly and sustainable.
2. Renewable Polymers - The use of renewable polymers like Yulex is disrupting the traditional neoprene-dominated wetsuit industry.
3. Carbon Emissions Reduction - The reduction of carbon emissions through the use of eco-friendly materials in wetsuit manufacturing is a growing trend with significant disruptive potential.
Industry Implications
1. Outdoor Apparel - Outdoor apparel companies could benefit from incorporating eco-friendly materials into their water-based product lines using renewable polymers like Yulex.
2. Water Sports - Water sports enthusiasts are increasingly demanding eco-friendly alternatives to traditional wetsuits, creating opportunities for disruption of the wetsuit industry.
3. Sustainable Manufacturing - Sustainable manufacturing of wetsuits and other water-based products could disrupt traditional manufacturing processes and result in the creation of new sustainable industries.
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