Sustainability at ION

Sustainability

Materials & Technology

Our criteria for the best product rests on style, function, repairability, and durability. Among the most direct ways we can limit ecological impacts is with goods that last for generations or can be recycled. 

Sometimes balancing the qualities of performance, durability and sustainability is one of the most difficult aspects. We strive to use as many sustainable materials as possible, but we trust our lives to this equipment, so we must value performance foremost.

No decision is taken lightly. When considering a material we evaluate its efficiency, functional qualities, chemical composition and the amount we’ll need before making a choice. To help us make a decision, we use the list of preferred materials and technologies below.

Wetsuits & Waterwear

Limestone Neoprene.jpeg
Wetsuits

Limestone Neoprene

We use earth mined limestone to replace petrochemicals in our neoprene. It comes from nature and has less environmental impact.

Eco Carbon Black.jpeg
Wetsuits

Eco Carbon Black

Carbon black, one of the key ingredients of neoprene, can now be pyrolyzed from scrap rubber tires. This significantly reduces energy consumption and cuts CO2 emission by 200g per wetsuit.

oystershell-powder.jpeg
Wetsuits

OYSTERSHELL POWDER

We use biocalcium oxide powder made from abandoned waste shells to partially replace limestone in the neoprene. This process recycles waste oyster shells and is part of our neoprene’s sustainability contribution. Oystershell Powder is used in all Select and Amp Level Wetsuits from SS24 onwards.

aqua-alpha-technology.jpeg
Materials & Technology

AQUA-ALPHA™ TECHNOLOGY

ION Wetsuits use the Aqua-α ™ technology. Aqua-α ™ is a solvent-free and completely water-based glue, which protects the health of workers at the factory as there is nearly no bad smell from the glue. The difference is huge - a good step for the people behind all the great wetsuits and the environment. Aqua-α ™ is used in all wetsuits.

Wetsuits_recycled Max_Flex
Wetsuits

Reycled Max_Flex

The pinnacle of our outside linings is now made from 100% recycled materials. In addition to its outstanding flexibility, it doesn't absorb water; instead, it disperses it through tiny channels. This enhances water evaporation and shortens drying time.
Used on all SS25 Amp level wetsuits.

Recycled Polyester.jpeg
Rashguards & shorts

Recycled Polyester

A wide selection of our fabrics are knitted with polyester yarn made from recycled plastic bottles. This helps to reduce waste and material consumption at the same time.-> 45 plastic bottles for one wetsuit

ION Natural Rubber Ocena
USDA-certified with 82% bio-based content.

Natural rubber

Crafted from renewable materials like FSC certified natural rubber, oyster shell powder, and plant-based oil, OCENA® rubber is the most sustainable alternative to synthetic rubber. Thanks to modern technology, OCENA® maintains superior flex and durability. Used on our Amaze Amp Summerstyles.

Travelgear

ION travelgear recycled fabric
Materials & Technology

Waste2wear

Waste2Wear produces fabrics and textile products from recycled plastic bottles since 2008 with the objective of producing high- quality garments in a responsible way.

In cooperation with Waste2Wear we are able to manufacture the outer shell of all ION Boardbags and travelgear from recycled plastic bottles.