US brand Patagonia has won the Environment Award at the Australian Surf Industry Awards in Queensland.
The company was recognised for its range of Yulex wetsuits which are made from plant-based biorubbers derived from the guayule plant.
At present the wetsuits are a blend of 60 per cent guayule and 40 per cent neoprene, although the company has plans to produce the line using 100 per cent guayule.
Patagonia Australia general manager Dane O'Shanassy believes that it's a win for the company's long-term commitment to the environment.
“We’re really happy with the win and it’s nice to be recognised.”
“The Yulex suits have been a key line for us, as they reflect the essence of what Patagonia is all about, a real commitment to functional product with a minimum of harm to the natural world.
“And while it’s great to win the trophy, the really rewarding part for us is that the wetsuits have been well received by the market, they’re being surfed in lineups all around the country, and the message is getting out there with both surfers and the surf industry itself.
“We’d love to see a day when all wetsuits are made from renewable materials, and we’re working hard to make that happen.”