Our philosophy is to waste less

Our philosophy is to waste less. We only make what is needed and design responsible products that are built to last.

We want to be completely transparent about this; the production of fabrics for wetsuits and clothes uses vast amounts of water, natural resources and energy. This contributes to carbon emissions and is harmful to the environment. However, we are committed to minimising our impact on the environment. Our philosophy is to use less, waste less and design responsible products that are built to last.

Responsible marketing and packaging

We are doing things differently. We do not create wasteful marketing materials, disposable items or deliver our gear in single use plastic bags as these all become landfill. We only make things that you need. In an effort to be as environmentally responsible as possible, all our products are delivered in compostable bags made from vegetables. In the supply chain from our manufacturers needessentials are striving to be a completely single use plastic free company. In addition we are committed to recycling 100% of the cardboard we use in our warehouse.

Responsible design

One of biggest challenges to sustainability and the earth’s natural resources is our unsustainable level of consumption in the developed world. We are caught up in a make, take, and dispose economy. Our philosophy is to challenge this by minimising waste and making the most out of resources. Our focus is on designing long lasting and durable products. Extending the life of a product is the most effective way to use less natural resources and create less waste. We aim to is to be responsible for what we create. Focusing on the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, we aim to extend the life of our products as much as possible.

Responsible materials and production

All our wetsuits are made from limestone neoprene which is less harmful to the environment than petroleum based neoprene. Whenever possible we try to recycle materials to make resources last longer and go further. There are eight recycled plastic bottles in every pair of our boardshorts. We also run a zero waste program. When your wetsuit is finally at the end of its life you can return it to us and we will pass it on to be recycled into children's play areas, tennis courts, running tracks and other products. 

We are partnered with a bluesign certified wetsuit manufacturer with the joint aim to develop wetsuits with the lowest possible environmental burden, resource-improving production as well as prioritising safety for workers. The bluesign certification means we are committed to eliminating harmful substances right from the beginning of the manufacturing process through Real Chemical Change Management. This  facilitates a detox of the entire supply chain, which in turn provides safer and more sustainable work and living conditions.