Sustainability

At Great Ocean Wetsuits, we’ve carved a reputation for Race Premium in the absence of the unnecessary with our products. Subsequently, this has resulted in us choosing the highest quality neoprene and fabrics for longer-lasting garments while encouraging and supporting the repairing of wetsuits to bring a new life to the product. This all contributes to a reduction in fast fashion, lowering manufacturing and distribution footprints, and we know there’s always more we can do to support planet Earth and its inhabitants.  

We understand everyone can better mitigate their global impact and that supplier choices have consequences, so here are a few conscious social and environmental choices we have made in the pursuit of more sustainable practices. 

Produce tougher and longer-lasting Great Ocean Wetsuits garments that reduce the fast fashion cycle - meaning fewer resources wasted in materials and labour, helping to reduce the broad environmental impacts of the chain from crop to garment delivery. 

Work with partners throughout the supply chain that value and utilise renewable energy and efficient use of resources. From bio-based feedstock to reduced water consumption and own treatment plants, renewable energy for production, active programs to reduce CO2 emissions, and end-of-use recycling. We are constantly discovering new ways to reduce the carbon footprint and pursue a circular economy, choosing these like-minded and value-aligned suppliers. 

Choosing mills and factories that consider and manage their environmental impact, utilising limestone neoprene to organic and ethically sourced yarns, sustainable sulphur toxin-free dyes (such as Archroma), recycled and even biodegradable synthetic yarns wherever possible, and swapping from single-use to recyclable or biodegradable packaging. Partner memberships include certification to WRAP and Oeko-Tex standards. 

Ensure that suppliers commit to ethical business practices. Meaning not only environmental considerations but labour forces within the supply chain are treated without duress or discrimination, with dignity and respect, exceeding all labour laws and working conditions standards. We actively search for BSCI certification from suppliers. 

We don’t want to be a company with a veneer of sustainability marketing, we’d prefer to be measured by deeds rather than words. This is our ongoing pledge to pursue sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.