Terraprene is a synthetic rubber with similar properties to performance neoprene, but is produced from renewable feedstocks and is 100% biodegradable rubber. It uses limestone rock (calcium carbonate) as the key ingredient to replace the main petrochemical inputs to make polychoroprene (neoprene). In landfill conditions, it breaks down into methane and biomass, like other organic materials in landfill. There’s no micro-plastics to worry about.

Traditional neoprene is a synthetic rubber, made from petrochemicals, with great performance in wetsuits. However, it is highly resistant to a broad range of environmental conditions, but it is non-biodegradable and will last 100+ years in landfill, stiffening and then breaking down chemically into smaller particles over long periods of time.

Correct heat, moisture and pressure found in landfill conditions, as tested to ASTM 5511 Standard. The ASTM 5511 assessment determines the rate and degree of anaerobic biodegradation of plastic materials in high-solids anaerobic conditions – a lab-proxy for best-case conditions found in landfill. The Terraprene will biodegrade 30% in 522 days in landfill conditions, this is ensuring there is the correct heat, moisture and pressure.

When at end of life, dispose of it in landfill, where it will decompose. Don’t try to compost it at home as there won’t be enough pressure in your garden compost bin. Customers are encouraged to return the suit to ZONE3 at end of life, where the lining, zips and other recyclable elements will be removed sending the Terraprene to landfill to biodegrade.

We are working on longer term initiatives to encourage and further improve end-of-life wetsuit materials recovery and recycling prior, and introduce a biodegradable lining also. Being biodegradable is a great first step at reducing the suits impact on the environment. However, the neoprene itself still uses limestone rock (calcium carbonate) as the key ingredient which is a non-renewable resource and requires vast amounts of energy to process. Using Yulex Natural Rubber, a plant-based alternative to traditional neoprene, can dramatically reduce the garments carbon footprint and we launched our Yulex Swimwear range in 2023. Yulex is great for certain styles of wetsuits, but there is still not a plant-based material on the market that matches the specific needs swimming/triathlon require. This is something we are pushing for. Until this is possible, we can focus on using recycled/biodegradable linings and trims to reduce the suits environmental impact and designing longevity into the wetsuit. Other initiatives include encouraging customers to get their worn suits repaired, thus ultimately increasing their lifespan. We have also recently partnered with Circularflow who aim for a sustainable circular economy for neoprene waste. Old ZONE3 wetsuits can be given a second life and recycled into products such as bags and yoga mats.

The majority of ZONE3 wetsuits and neoprene products use synthetic neoprene derived from limestone. This is the most sustainable and environmentally friendly option currently available for triathlon wetsuits and has superior elongation, flexibility and insulation characteristics compared to petroleum-based neoprene. Having said this, we are aware that limestone neoprene is not perfect, due to the rock’s energy intensive mining process and the fact it is a non-renewable resource. We will continue to work with our manufacturers towards a more sustainable wetsuit.