Pressemelding fra Xcel wetsuits: Xcel Commits to Producing Neoprene Free Wetsuits

 

Pressemelding med store nyheter fra Xcel wetsuits fredag 29 september:

Today we announced a commitment to produce all of our wetsuits using neoprene-free materials by 2026 at the latest. By then we believe that natural materials will offer the same performance in terms of stretch, warmth and durability as our current wetsuit range, for the same or better cost to surfers. We are proud to be one of the first of the traditional wetsuit brands to signal a switch of our entire line to neoprene-free materials. 

Lance Varon, Xcel Head of Product explained “we have been committed to making a more responsible wetsuit for several years, and we are 80% there today with a number of eco components in our current line. We already use dope-dye yarns, water-based glues, eco carbon black, and oyster shell processing in all of our suits. And now we are finalizing the testing of natural neoprene-free materials that deliver the world class performance that our core surfers require in terms of stretch, warmth and durability, at the right price point.”

 

Said Ian Stewart, Xcel Head of Marketing “Xcel is recognized for our technically driven approach to making wetsuits, and for that reason we have been very rigorous in finding the best natural materials that perform at a high level. We are in the middle of testing and are excited by how they are tracking in terms of performance in the water.”  

Reinforced Jarka Duba, Xcel CEO “This is good business on many levels. It is good for the planet. It is good for future surfers. At every product meeting we task the team to make the best wetsuit and then to make it as green as possible. Based on current testing, we believe the next generation of neoprene-free material will be up to our standard by 2026.” 

The Xcel team will continue to manage the timeline to launch, and is committed to going to market earlier if the innovation process can be further accelerated.

 

Eco Initiatives at Xcel Wetsuits today:

We share one ocean, and one planet. It’s important to recognize that our actions have consequences, and that it’s possible to improve each day as both individuals and as a collective group to make our world better for the next generation.

At Xcel, we are not going to say that we have it all figured out just yet. Becoming more environmentally responsible is a journey that we are committed to take. As such, we know that the journey is never finished. But we recognize that there is still much that we have done to ensure that our wetsuits are made with care for our ocean and ecosystem in mind. Some of those are:

Oyster Shells:

By repurposing oyster shells, we can reduce the amount of calcium carbonate when making neoprene. Instead of mining raw materials from the earth, we use recycled oyster shells which are a natural source of calcium carbonate.  The shells also include additional minerals that add further strength and durability, creating a longer lasting wetsuit.

Dope-Dyed Yarn: 

Dope-dying is a process that creates color in yarn before it is spun, which greatly reduces the amount of water needed. In addition to less water used, there is far less excess dye that is wasted in the process.

Recycled Polyester: 

Much of Xcel’s fabrics use recycled polyester made from plastic bottles. On average, 45 plastic water bottles are recycled to make one wetsuit. 

Water Based Glue:

Our glue is made from a water-based compound instead of using solvents. This results in less toxic chemicals in our ecosystem. 

Repair Service:

We offer many options for you to get repair work done to the wetsuit, rather than replacing it.  This keeps more material out of the landfill and less need to produce new gear. We have a network of facilities where you can get all types of repairs fixed without needing to throw away a perfectly good suit otherwise. To learn more, contact us here. 

Recycling Service:

All wetsuits will ultimately have to be retired, but that doesn’t mean their life will end. When you return our wetsuits to be recycled, we give them a new life as sandals, traction pads, and more. This means less waste in the landfill, and less raw materials used to make these other products.

Built to last:

Last but not least, Xcel wetsuits are built to a high standard. Through the use of innovative materials and construction, Xcel suits are one of the longest lasting wetsuits on the market. Over many years, this translates into needing to purchase a new suit far less often, which helps keep less new material and waste from needing to happen. Find your next Xcel wetsuit here. 

These are just a few of the initiatives we have at Xcel to help improve the way we interact with our ecosystems. It takes all of our efforts to care for our environment, but know that Xcel takes our role seriously and while there is more that can always be done, we have already come a long way.