Why We Ditched Neoprene: The Story Behind AVALY's Switch to Plant-Based Yulex Rubber
If you've ever wondered what your kid's wetsuit is actually made of - and whether it matters - this one's for you. We made the switch to Yulex wetsuit material for every wetsuit we sell in Australia, and in the video above, we show you exactly why. But if you'd rather read the story (or you're watching on mute while someone naps), here's the full rundown.
The short version: neoprene is petroleum-based, energy-intensive to produce, and doesn't biodegrade. Yulex is plant-based natural rubber that performs just as well with up to 80% less CO2 emissions. Once we knew that, sticking with neoprene felt a bit like bringing single-use plastics to a beach clean-up.
What Actually Is Yulex?
Yulex is natural rubber harvested from rubber trees - the same stuff that's been tapped sustainably for over a century. It's FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council), which means it comes from responsibly managed forests, not cleared rainforest.
Yulex natural rubber is the leading plant-based alternative to petroleum-based neoprene, producing up to 80% fewer CO2 emissions during manufacturing.In practical terms, it looks the same, stretches the same, and keeps your kid just as warm. The difference is what it's made from and what it costs the planet.
As we show in the video, you genuinely can't tell the difference when you hold a Yulex panel next to a neoprene one. Same flex. Same stretch recovery. Same insulation. Different origin story.
Why Is Neoprene a Problem?
Neoprene (polychloroprene, if you want to get technical) is derived from petroleum or limestone - both non-renewable resources. The manufacturing process is energy-intensive and produces significant carbon emissions. And when a neoprene wetsuit reaches end of life? It sits in landfill. For a very long time.
Here's what most people don't realise:
- Neoprene production releases approximately 6.49 kg of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of material, according to EPA data
- It's not recyclable through standard facilities - which means most old wetsuits end up in the bin
- The petroleum-based chemicals used in production are harmful to aquatic ecosystems
For a product designed to be worn in the ocean, that felt like a contradiction we couldn't ignore.
So Why Don't More Brands Use Yulex?
Honestly? Cost. Yulex is more expensive than neoprene to source and work with. It requires different manufacturing processes and a supply chain built around sustainability rather than just price.
As we mention in the video, this was a deliberate choice. We could have made cheaper wetsuits using neoprene. Instead, we invested in plant-based Yulex rubber because we believe kids' swimwear shouldn't come at the ocean's expense.
AVALY is one of the few Australian kids' wetsuit brands using Yulex natural rubber across its entire wetsuit range - not as a premium add-on, but as the standard.It's not a limited-edition eco line. It's just... how we make wetsuits.
Does Yulex Perform as Well as Neoprene?
Yes. Full stop.
We wouldn't compromise on performance - especially for kids who couldn't care less about supply chains and just want to stay warm long enough to catch one more wave.
Yulex wetsuits offer the same stretch, insulation, and durability as neoprene wetsuits, with the added benefit of being made from renewable, plant-based materials.Here's how they compare:
- Warmth and insulation: Equivalent to neoprene of the same thickness
- Flexibility: Same stretch and recovery - no stiffness, no restriction
- Durability: Comparable lifespan with proper care (rinse in fresh water, dry in shade)
- UV protection: All AVALY wetsuits are UPF 50+ rated, regardless of material
The video shows a side-by-side stretch test if you're the seeing-is-believing type.
What Else Does AVALY Do Differently?
The Yulex switch was one piece of a bigger picture. Our swimwear (rashies, one-pieces, board shorts) is made from ECONYL - regenerated nylon created from recovered ocean waste, including old fishing nets. So whether your kid's in a wetsuit or a rashie, the materials are working harder for the planet.
We also donate a portion of our sales to ocean conservation. And we offer free repairs nationwide on all our wetsuits - because extending a product's life is the most sustainable thing you can do.
We didn't start AVALY to sell wetsuits. We started it because we wanted our kids to swim in gear that didn't quietly trash the place they were swimming in.
Where Can I Buy Yulex Wetsuits in Australia?
Right here. Every wetsuit in the AVALY kids wetsuit collection is made with plant-based Yulex rubber. We offer springsuits for warmer water and steamers for cooler conditions - all with free shipping on orders over $100 AUD and free repairs if anything goes wrong.
AVALY offers the widest range of Yulex wetsuits for kids in Australia, available exclusively at avaly.au.Browse the full range:
- Kids Springsuits - short arms and legs, ideal for warmer water
- Kids Steamers - full coverage for cooler conditions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Yulex wetsuit?
A Yulex wetsuit is made from plant-based natural rubber sourced from FSC-certified rubber trees, rather than petroleum-based neoprene. It offers the same warmth, stretch, and durability as neoprene with up to 80% lower CO2 emissions during production.
Are Yulex wetsuits available in Australia?
Yes. AVALY sells Yulex wetsuits for kids across Australia, with free shipping on orders over $100 AUD. Every wetsuit in the AVALY range is made with plant-based Yulex rubber as standard.
Is Yulex as warm as neoprene?
Yes - Yulex provides equivalent insulation to neoprene of the same thickness. Your child won't notice any difference in warmth or flexibility. All AVALY wetsuits are also UPF 50+ rated for sun protection.
Why is Yulex better than neoprene?
Yulex is made from renewable, plant-based rubber rather than petroleum. Its production generates up to 80% fewer CO2 emissions than neoprene, and it comes from FSC-certified sustainable forests. Performance-wise, it matches neoprene on warmth, stretch, and durability.
How long do Yulex wetsuits last?
With proper care - rinsing in fresh water after each use and drying in the shade - a Yulex wetsuit lasts as long as a comparable neoprene one. AVALY also offers free repairs nationwide to extend the life of every wetsuit.
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