Neoprene Upcycling- Existing Initiatives

Néocombine

http://www.neocombine.com/homepage

“Made from wetsuits from the 80s and 90s, these accessories have a spirit that new objects don’t have. They remind us of summer and are light as ocean air.”

• ·       The brand’s mission is to give a second life to neoprene.
• ·       They recycle old 80s and 90s wetsuits to manufacture hand made accessories -- bracelets and key rings.
• ·       Neoprene is screen printed and then sewn by hand.
• ·       Founded in 2009.
• ·       Located in Bordeaux, France.
• ·       Wetsuits gathered from surf schools and surfers.
• ·       Sold as promotional products for clients/souvenirs
• ·       Individual bracelets from €3 - €12 ($4.70 - $18.70 NZD)

Green Guru

https://www.greengurugear.com/pages/recycling-to-upcycle-program

“Mission statement: Upcycle materials into great products, provide recycling source for adventure sports, and create tangible environmental awareness.”

• ·       They give a second life to materials that would otherwise just go to landfill.
• ·       Founded in 2005.
• ·       Based in the USA.
• ·       Make bags wallets and accessories out of a variety of donated materials-- bike inner tubes, climbing ropes, wetsuits, tents and more.
• ·       Donations collected in Green Guru recycling bins at participating bike shops, outfitters, climbing gyms, surf shops and community partners. (Donations can also be sent directly)
• ·       In return for a donation the donor receives a discount code for Green Guru products.
• ·       Local bike and outdoor shops offer incentives for customers donating used gear.
• ·       The average bag costs $100-$140 (USD).
• ·       Wide range of other products available at a range of prices (from $3).

Lava Rubber

https://www.lavarubber.com

• ·       Upcycling "super materials" to help them become useful again.
• ·       Surf/dive rubber, gaskets, weatherstripping, wheelchair seat molds, juice pouches, mis-printed yoga pants and many other "clean" donations are used to formulate Lava Rubber.
• ·       Products include doormats, pet-food mats, coasters and kneeling pads for the garden.
• ·       Handmade in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, USA.
• ·       Currently partnered with artist Dan May who has a limited print on the backside of their belly-bands.
• ·       Partners with Terracycle who offer free recycling programs funded by brands, manufacturers, and retailers around the world to help collect and recycle hard-to-recycle waste
• ·       Products costing $4 - $100 (USD)

Suga Mats

https://www.sugamats.com/

“Suga worked extensively with engineering experts to recycle these petrochemical based landfill clogging neoprene monsters into highly functional instruments of yogic bliss.”

• ·       Premium quality yoga mats from recycled wetsuits
• ·       Located in Encinitas, California, USA.
• ·       A member of 1% for the Planet
• ·       Suga mat is a cradle to grave product that can be sent back and recycled again at the end of its life.
• ·       Wetsuits are collected at a variety of locations throughout California and Canada and can also be mailed directly.
• ·       10% discount offered for anyone who donates a wetsuit.
• ·       Standard Suga mat costs $79 (USD). ($105 NZD).