Limestone Neoprene and Eco-friendly Neoprene

Limestone Neoprene

In the 1960s, it became possible to manufacture neoprene using different methods. The main neoprene compound is still chloroprene. But instead of using dirty petroleum-based ingredients, it's possible to use calcium carbonate from limestone. Limestone is usually mined in Japan, where manufacturers turn it into rubber chips. Afterward, they melted the chips in an oven and then put them through a chemical process. Next, they injected air bubbles into the molten mass and baked it into a piece of neoprene foam. After that, they cut this block to whatever thickness of neoprene we need to make wetsuits. Thicknesses range from 0.4mm to 10mm and everything in between. What's more, limestone neoprene has the same or better elongation, flexibility, and insulating properties, and is less harmful to the environment. Most importantly, this is why limestone neoprene is one of the most flexible and environmentally friendly types of neoprene available.

Eco-friendly Neoprene

There are different types of environmentally friendly neoprene available. The invention of limestone neoprene had a major impact on wetsuit manufacturing, making the high-end wetsuit industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Some companies have different names for their limestone-based alternatives. You may have heard of the Japanese Yamamoto neoprene used in some high-end wetsuit models. Other versions of limestone neoprene are Jako neoprene wetsuits.