As we take important steps to move into a more sustainable world for the well-being and future of our planet and environment, some of the biggest wetsuit brands have made conscious efforts to create more sustainable wetsuits - using limestone neoprene.
Traditionally, wetsuits were made using a petrochemical substance, in a petroleum factory. Unfortunately, at the end of your wetsuit’s life, it can have a negative impact on our precious environment. If simply thrown out, your wetsuit will end up on a landfill site, taking hundreds of years to decompose due to its non-biodegradable and non-compostable nature.
Thankfully, there are many ways you can now recycle your wetsuit, one of which is to send your old wetsuit to Circular Flow, where they will recycle wetsuit neoprene material, reducing the amount of pollution! But, if you want to purchase a more sustainable wetsuit from the get-go, a limestone neoprene wetsuit is a promising choice.
At Wetsuit Centre, we stock a range of wetsuits made from limestone neoprene from the biggest brands in the industry, including Xcel, Circle One, Sooruz, Vissla, and O’Neill.
WHAT IS LIMESTONE NEOPRENE?
Unlike traditional oil-based wetsuit neoprene, limestone neoprene is made from calcium carbonate found in limestone rock. Special technology converts the calcium carbonate into chloroprene rubber chips, which are then melted and processed into limestone neoprene, a sustainable and environmentally-conscious wetsuit material.
THE BENEFITS OF LIMESTONE NEOPRENE WETSUITS
Limestone neoprene offers many benefits, from its reduced environmental impact to its lightness. Here are some of its benefits:
1. LIGHTER IN WEIGHT
Limestone neoprene has nitrogen-filled cells in its structure, which reduces the weight of the material. This also creates a warm barrier between the ocean and yourself, whilst remaining a thick yet ultra-lightweight material.
2. MORE FLEXIBLE
Ever wanted a wetsuit that fits like a second skin? Limestone neoprene has an increased stretch and better stretch memory for ultimate comfort in the water, contributing to better freedom of movement so you can perfect those manoeuvres and turns.
3. MORE ECO-FRIENDLY & SUSTAINABLE
The process of converting limestone into neoprene uses a lot less energy in its extraction and production compared to petroleum/oil-based neoprene. Limestone neoprene's impact on the environment is also significantly less compared to its counterpart.
4. WARMER
Due to limestone neoprene's 95% water impermeability (compared to 70% for petroleum-based neoprene), limestone neoprene wetsuits offer better insulation and warmth. This means you can wear a thinner wetsuit with the same amount of warmth whilst gaining flexibility - a win-win!
5. MORE DURABLE
Limestone neoprene is naturally more resistant to harmful UV and ozone rays, increasing its durability. This results in fewer splits, holes, and cracks on the neoprene’s surface, adding to its lifespan.
OUR TOP PICKS: THE BEST LIMESTONE NEOPRENE WETSUITS
If you’re on the hunt for a reliable limestone neoprene wetsuit for kids, men, and women, look no further! Our collection of limestone neoprene wetsuits at Wetsuit Centre features the best suits from pioneering, innovative brands.
Here are our top 6 wetsuits made from limestone neoprene:
1. XCEL COMP YOUTH 5/4MM HOODED WETSUIT - BLUE
This one is for the kiddies! Xcel’s Comp Youth 5/4mm Hooded Wetsuit is made from nanoprene lite Japanese limestone neoprene for a lightweight, warm, and soft design. Its triple glued and blindstitched ensures a water-tight wetsuit for brilliant warmth.
2. O'NEILL EPIC 4/3MM BACK ZIP WETSUIT 2024 - BLACK
Don’t be fooled into thinking the O’Neill Epic 4/3mm Back Zip Wetsuit is just an entry-level suit - it’s so much more than that! Now featuring 100% super stretch neoprene, an easy back-zip entry system, and a fluidflex firewall for insulation, this suit has it all. Also available for women.
Perfect for April to December waters, this suit will see you through almost the whole year. Plus, its limestone neoprene construction makes it an eco-friendly choice.
3. XCEL COMP 3/2MM CHEST ZIP WOMENS WETSUIT 2024 - BLACK
Say hello to one of the most flexible summer wetsuits for women on the market today. Xcel’s Comp 3/2mm Chest Zip Women’s Wetsuit is made from sustainably sourced Japenese nanoprene limestone neoprene, offering unparalleled memory and rebound for an engineered second skin fit system.
With brilliant flexibility, softness, and lightness like no other, this suit will not let you down during the summer months.
4. XCEL AXIS 3/2MM YOUTH FLATLOCK BACK ZIP WETSUIT - BLUE
Ideal for the warmer waters during summer and shoulder months, the Xcel Axis 3/2mm Youth Flatlock Back Zip Wetsuit is engineered for a comfortable fit courtesy of its limestone neoprene material. Made for teens, this suit features 100% performance stretch, flat seam construction, and a back-zip for seamless on and off-entry.
5. XCEL INFINITI X2 5/4MM CHEST ZIP HOODED WETSUIT 2024 - BLACK
Stay as warm as possible this winter without compromising on flexibility. Xcel’s Infinity X2 5/4mm Chest Zip Hooded Wetsuit is made from extremely soft, lightweight, and warmer nanoprene Japanese limestone neoprene for a super stretch feel for enhanced manoeuvrability.
This suit features a magnetic closure, a glide skin collar that reduces water flushing and keeps cold water out, and an innovative thermal lining for better insulation. Also available for women in a black and flower print design.
6. XCEL AXIS 5/4MM WOMEN'S BACK ZIP WINTER WETSUIT 2024 - BLACK/TIE DYE
The Xcel Axis 5/4mm Women’s Back Zip Winter Wetsuit offers a super soft feel like no other with brilliant flexibility. With its new thermolite inner lining for improved heat retention and insulation, this suit will encourage you through those cold water days.
Featuring a nylon collar for extra comfort, an engineered fit system for the perfect fit, and Japanese limestone neoprene for ultimate stretch whilst being a more eco-friendly alternative over standard petroleum-based neoprene wetsuits.
If you’d like to view more of our wetsuits, visit Wetsuit Centre today and explore our collection of summer and winter wetsuits from the biggest surf brands in the world.
