Neoprene Options for Wetsuits

We use neoprene foam sliced into different thicknesses to make our wetsuits. Different grades of foam have different characteristics. Generally, the more flexible and softer the sponge, the more premium it is. You will learn more about the different neoprene types available below.

1) CR Neoprene: Oil-based or Limestone-based

the most common type of neoprene is CR Neoprene. You might know it as Chloroprene rubber, simply CR or Polychloroprene. CR neoprene can be made from environmentally harmful oils. Alternatively, we can now use higher-end types of rubber foam that are based on limestone instead of oil. In fact, the impact on the environment is much less.

a) Petroleum-based Neoprene

Gasoline-based neoprene is the traditional method of making neoprene invented in the 1950s. However, this gasoline-based neoprene is far less environmentally friendly than the newer, cleaner neoprene available, such as limestone neoprene.

b) 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.

c) 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.

d) Natural Rubber and Yulex Pure

A completely different way of making wetsuits is to use natural rubber. Locally known as caoutchouc, it is made from the material harvested from the latex sap of rubber trees. It consists mainly of polymers of the organic compound isoprene and water. Rubber trees grow in tropical regions all over the world. For example, Yulex uses this natural rubber as the main component to make a neoprene-like material, which is suitable for making diving suits. As long as rubber tree plantations are FSC-certified, Yulex is a very attractive alternative.

2) SBR Foam

SBR foam is similar to neoprene foam and can be lined with nylon or polyester for the same look as a regular neoprene wetsuit. However, SBR foams have poor elongation capabilities and little ozone or chemical resistance. That's why manufacturers mainly use SBR foam in very cheap and low-quality wetsuits. In other words, avoid SBRs in your next winter wetsuit.

All in all, there are so many types of neoprene material for wetsuits. Welcome to inquiry!