In a move to make the surfing and diving industry more circular, a collaborative plan is on to develop UK’s first wetsuit recycling facility. This is one among eight new projects funded by Future Fibres Network+.
- Many wetsuits are made from neoprene, but the UK currently has no way of recycling them, meaning more than 380 tonnes is burned or landfilled each year.
THE PROJECT: Led by the University of Plymouth and working with industry partner Circular Flow, the project will examine the scope for developing a UK neoprene recycling facility to help make the surfing and diving industry more circular or sustainable.
- Wetsuits are one of the hardest products to recycle.
- Circular Flow already has a facility in Bulgaria, but establishing one in the UK—home to some of the world’s most popular surfing locations—would be a significant development.
- If the findings suggest there is sufficient support for a neoprene recycling facility, the team will develop an investment pack to share with funders to help build it.
ABOUT: Future Fibres Network+ (FFN+) aims to bring environmental science into the heart of the UK fashion, apparel and textile sectors.
- The Future Fibres Network+ works alongside fellow sub-networks; IMPACT+ and Back to Baselines in Circular Fashion and Textiles. These three sub-networks are part of the UKRI Circular Fashion and Textile Network Plus: a collaboration that seeks to understand and drive the fashion and textile industry towards sustainable and responsible practices.
- Future Fibres Network is a network led by the University of Exeter, collaborating with the universities of Leeds, Huddersfield and Plymouth, University of the Arts London, and the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT).
- The Network Plus is part of the UKRI £15million Circular Fashion and Textile Programme.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Many of those who buy and wear wetsuits have a genuine interest in the environment, and therefore in the sustainability of these products. However, wetsuits are one of the hardest products to recycle and the possibility of opening a recycling facility in the UK is very exciting.
— Emma Major-Mudge
Head (Sales and Commercial Partnerships)
Circular Flow
Our project will investigate the level of interest among UK businesses for returning end-of-life wetsuits and accessories to a UK facility where they can be turned into new and useful products. We also aim to understand consumers’ willingness to purchase and wear recycled neoprene products, and explore the logistics of developing a recycling facility.
— Dr Kayleigh Wyles
Project Lead / Associate Professor - Environmental Psychology
University of Plymouth
