YULEX® Natural Rubber Swimwear Range
Make a change to protect our world, one swim at a time...
Natural, Renewable, Traceable - Yulex
What is Yulex?
ZONE3 have been in search of a clean alternative to neoprene since the beginning and we are excited to be the first triathlon brand to use YULEX®, a natural plant-based rubber sourced from the Havea tree. The sap of the tree is purified, refined and made into a Yulex dry solid rubber. This material can then be moulded and sliced to a desired thickness and laminated, ready to be manufactured into wetsuits.
Designed for your wild swimming, surfing, or paddle boarding adventures, the ZONE3 Yulex® Natural Rubber Swimwear range will keep you warm and comfortable without that restrictive wetsuit
feeling. Overall, by using plant-based rubber we can dramatically reduce a suit's CO2 emissions by up to 80%.
Performance
ZONE3 is a brand based on performance and longevity, therefore Yulex® possess the same physical properties and performance characteristics as synthetic neoprene but without damaging the planet:
- Lightweight
- High Stretch
- Durable
- Insulation against the cold
- Buoyancy
- UV Resistance
Lets get technical
Yulex as a material has some incredible properties that are leaps ahead of other materials on the market. Yulex is a plant-based, high-performance elastomeric foam with a closed-cell structure that allows for minimal water absorption and supportive buoyancy.
The manufacturing process is made easier due to its diverse properties. Yulex material is easy to cut, dye stamp, glue and sew; a bit like standard neoprene foam but better! While we have highlighted some key benefits of using this material for water-based activities, in other industries Yulex has proven to be cushioning and impact/vibration absorbent.
Yulex allows for thermal control working with your body to support warmth retention through airflow, so our garments will fit a little looser than standard wetsuits or swimwear.
A hug from nature
Flexibility - Low profile flatlock seams and ergonomic designs offer unrestricted movement and comfort allowing for complete freedom in the water.
100% Recycled polyester outer and inner fabric - The durable Recycled polyester face fabrics further enhances the garment’s eco credentials and adding a soft touch to the range.
1.5mm Yulex® Natural Rubber - 1.5mm thickness provides warmth and protection from the elements while allowing the wearer to move freely, whatever the activity, in or on top of the water.
Which ZONE3 Products will use YULEX®
For SS23 we have introduced our YULEX® Swimwear Range, consisting of Women's longsleeve and sleeveless swim suit, a top and shorts, as well as a Men's longsleeve top and jammers. Due to the delicate nature of smoothskin neoprene, the application of plant-based rubber in triathlon wetsuits is something we aim to explore for coming season