Neoprene, the material traditionally used in wetsuits, isn't exactly environmentally friendly: it's derived from petrochemicals and is so non-biodegradable that it has been used to line landfills. Outerwear brand Finisterre has been neoprene-free since 2021, making its wetsuits of a natural rubber material that it claims performs just as well as neoprene. The rub is in that claim — wetsuits are expensive, and potential buyers may be hesitant to try an unfamiliar material.
Aiming to win them over, UK-based Finisterre just launched a Yulex wetsuit rental program, allowing people to try out their gear in real-world conditions, risk-free. Yulex uses sustainably sourced natural rubber from Hevea trees, delivering an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional neoprene. Its manufacturing process also uses 10x less water.
To provide the rental option, Finisterre is partnering with Zoa. A five-day rental of a GBP 250 women's wetsuit is priced at GBP 30, with free shipping and returns. Customers get a discount if they decide to keep the product and a refund if the item doesn't fit.
