Body Glove Eco Fullsuit
Body Glove are another wetsuit manufacturer recognising that eco-friendly wetsuits can be manufacturered at a reasonable cost, work as well as the others and there is a market for them. The Eco Fullsuit is made from 100% eco-flex material which they claim to be the purest form of non-toxic stretch material. It’s not only the rubber that makes this a greener alternative because the zippers are recycled and the inks are organic water based varieties.
The goal of the Eco range from Body Glove is to use where reasonably possible, renewable, recycled, sustainable and/or organic materials. This attitude dates back to the founders of the company and now that these materials are more widely available they are inporporating them into a growing list of products. Items like MP3/cell phone covers and personal floatation devices.
More details of the Eco line at the Body Glove website.
Matuse Wetsuits
Matuse sum up their philosophy as far as people and the environment goes with the final line of their mission statement. “Enhancing Cultural and environmental awareness. They teamed up with Yamamoto Corp. to exclusively use Geoprene for their wetsuits. Geoprene is made from 99.7% limestone and Yamamoto estimate they have 3000 years left with the supply of limestone. A bit better than the supply of oil. Limestone isn’t as hazardous either.
Geoprene has a unique closed microcell structure which means the wetsuit will keep you warmer for longer. This also helps to reduce the water absorption so you don’t get weighed down by carrying water in the wetsuit material. Add to that a better stretch than human skin and it means the wetsuit should last longer and not get stretch marks like others. Overall, a geoprene wetsuit should outlast a regular neoprene one.
More information at the Matuse website.
Patagonia Wetsuits
Patagonia use recycled products in their products, however, the one that really stands out is their wetsuits. The Japanese neoprene is made from limestone rather than petroleum-based indgredients and are lined with merino wool blended with recycled polyester. Add this to the PVC-free kneepads and it makes a very unique wetsuit.
In addition to the use of sustainable products and recycled products, the makeup of the materials actually aids in keeping you warm and drawing moisture away from the skin.
More information at the Patagonia website.
