Australian coastline
Our Materials

From Rubber Tree to Rock Pool

Most kids' wetsuits are made from petroleum neoprene — basically, fossil fuel rubber. Avaly uses Yulex, a plant-based natural rubber that performs just as well, with 80% less CO₂. Because your kid's wetsuit shouldn't cost the earth (literally).

Yulex vs Neoprene

Same performance, completely different footprint. Here's what happens when you ditch petroleum rubber for the plant-based kind.

What we use

Yulex Natural Rubber

Plant-based • What Avaly uses

Source Hevea rubber trees (FSC/PEFC forests)
Carbon Emissions 80% less CO₂ than neoprene
Biodegradable Yes — breaks down naturally
Skin Safe Hypoallergenic, no chloroprene
Performance Same stretch, warmth & durability
UV Protection UPF 50+ (AS/NZS 4399 tested)

Petroleum Neoprene

Fossil fuel-based • Industry standard

Source Petroleum & limestone (fossil fuels)
Carbon Emissions Standard petrochemical emissions
Biodegradable No — 500+ years to break down
Skin Safe Contains chloroprene (irritant)
Performance Same stretch, warmth & durability
UV Protection Varies by manufacturer
Child in AVALY wetsuit exploring the beach

From Tree to Surf

Every Avaly wetsuit starts as sap from a rubber tree and ends up on a happy kid at the beach. Here's the journey in between.

1

Sustainably Harvested

Natural rubber is tapped from Hevea trees grown in FSC and PEFC certified forests. The trees aren't cut down — they're tapped for sap, like a maple syrup tree.

2

Processed into Yulex

The raw rubber is processed into Yulex sheets without petroleum solvents. No nasty chemicals, no fossil fuel inputs — just clean, plant-based rubber.

3

Cut & Sewn with Care

Every Avaly wetsuit is cut and sewn in an ethical factory that pays above-award wages and provides health insurance for all workers.

4

Worn by Happy Kids

The finished wetsuit arrives at your door — UPF 50+ rated, hypoallergenic, and ready for rock pools, beach days, and everything in between.

The Credentials

We don't just say we're sustainable — we've got the stamps to prove it.

FSC Certified

Our Yulex rubber is sourced from Forest Stewardship Council certified forests — responsibly managed, independently audited.

PEFC Certified

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification — the world's largest forest certification system.

UPF 50+

Tested to AS/NZS 4399 — the Australian/NZ standard for sun-protective clothing. Blocks 98%+ of UV radiation.

Neoprene-Free

Zero petroleum-based neoprene. Zero chloroprene. Zero petrochemical solvents. Just plants.

Biodegradable

Unlike neoprene (500+ years), Yulex natural rubber breaks down naturally at end of life.

Hypoallergenic

Free from the chemical irritants found in neoprene. Perfect for sensitive skin and kids with eczema.

Kids enjoying the Australian outdoors

Ready to Make the Switch?

Every Avaly wetsuit is proof that you don't have to choose between protecting your kids and protecting their planet.