Rip Curl expand wetsuit recycling program

LOCAL boardriders clubs and surf school are being invited to drop in any branded wetsuits to Rip Curl to be recycled.

Rip Curl has just opened group recycling capabilities at its Torquay facility.

Previously, the company’s wetsuit recycling program was only open to single wetsuit donations.

Large volumes of wetsuits will then be turned into raw material used for the creation of things such as soft fall matting for playgrounds.

Head of ESG at Rip Curl Shasta O’Loughlin said the program has helped divert more than 48,000kg and 40,000 wetsuits from landfill in its four years.

“With 65 collection points across Australia, France, Spain, Portugal, and the USA, we’re making wetsuit recycling easier.

“Evolving to accept bulk donations from surf schools, plus clubs, and other groups, is a next step we’re proud to kick off here at our birthplace – the Surf Coast.

“It creates a demand for a sustainable way to dispose of old wetsuits, ensuring they don’t end up in landfill. We’re thrilled to be able to offer this solution.”

 

Go Ride a Wave, a local surf school who owns 1,400 wetsuits, has become one of the first to participant in the expanded program.

“Every year, we hold a sale over the King’s Birthday weekend to sell used wetsuits, but we always end up with a pile that’s too worn to sell,” director Ben Niblett said.

” It ‘s fantastic to know these wetsuits will get a second life. It’s a positive message we can share with our clients as we introduce them to surfing. ”

The wetsuit recycling program is free and open to anyone.

Rip Curl accepts any brand of wetsuit for recycling – simply drop off any brand of wetsuit at the Rip Curl flagship store in Torquay. Please ensure wetsuits are dry, as Rip Curl stores cannot accept wet items.