Launching today, Patagonia’s selection of neoprene-free wetsuits are now Fair Trade Certified. This means that Patagonia pays a premium that the factory workers can use at their discretion. Fair Trade Certified factories must also adhere to a strict set of standards for safe working conditions and environmental responsibility. These are the first-ever Fair Trade Certified wetsuits on the market.
Offering superior stretch and freedom of motion, Patagonia’s wetsuits are made from 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% synthetic rubber by polymer content; interior lining is 100% recycled polyester.
Other key performance + new wetsuit features include:
- Yulex Natural Rubber – Warm, neoprene-free rubber that reduces CO2 emissions by up to approximately 80% when compared to conventional, nonrenewable neoprene.
- Forest Stewardship Council®certified by the Rainforest Alliance – Ensuring the natural rubber is harvested in a way that prevents clear-cutting and preserves biodiversity.
- Ironclad Guarantee – Patagonia stands behind every wetsuit they sell. If it doesn’t perform to your satisfaction, they’ll take it back for replacement, refund or repair.
- Solution-Dyed Fabrics – The company has moved to solution dyeing in the manufacturing and production process for the face fabric and lining of their Yulex wetsuits, using 86% less water and reducing CO2 emissions by 96%, in comparison to conventional dyeing.
- New Patterning– For improved fit and increased mobility.
- New External Fabric– 85% premium lightweight recycled polyester for incredible flexibility and comfort.
- New Thermal Lining– Inverted microgrid dries faster than ever and maintains excellent warmth.
- Water-based AQUAa™ Glue – Eliminates harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the lamination process.
This updated line of wetsuits for Fall 2018 represents the best the company has ever offered, both from a performance and sustainable standpoint.
