How we recycle wetsuit waste into one-of-a-kind bags...

 

Have you ever wondered what happens to your old wetsuit once it's reached the end of its aquatic adventures? At Mindful Manta recycling neoprene is not just a fad - it's what makes our bags unique and function yet fun. We take worn wetsuits and transform them into new pouches, purses, and bags that are perfect for your daily adventures.

From Trash to Treasure

Wetsuits are donated from watersport activity centres, and through our Recycling Programme when they have reached the end of their life of surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving and triathlons. 

Whilst they have been on many adventures in the sea, neoprene is very durable and its thick and protective characteristics are perfect for protecting your belongings. Neoprene is incredibly long-lasting, every wetsuit donated has made a positive impact to our environment, as synthetic wetsuit waste in landfill is estimated to take hundreds of years (to an eternity) to decompose! 

By upcycling neoprene, we are not only reducing waste but also creating unique and sustainable so you can continue your adventures.

The Transformation Process

Once we have collected the wetsuits and and brought them back to the Mindful Manta studio they are thoroughly cleaned, rinsed and hung to dry. 

Wetsuits are inspected for quality, separating the neoprene which can be reused. Often the creases in the neoprene doesn't affect quality, and these parts we still use, embracing the . There are the usual pressure points with more wear, these are put to one side for disposal or sampling and prototypes.

The neoprene is organised according to the usable size to maximise usage, and minimise wastage. When ready to be cut and made, we try to use as much material as possible. Small cut-offs can be used for components, keyring clips, zip pulls. 

Our favourite part of the process is seeing the final unique product where everything comes together and the hard work pays off. Each piece is handcrafted with attention to detail, and no two items are exactly alike.

A Sustainable Choice

We believe that quality materials needn't be wasted and we can make it easier for everyone to support a greener future without compromising on style and quality. We’ve transformed hundreds of discarded wetsuits into remarkable bags designed to elevate your daily journeys.

Make Waves

Ready to make a difference with your fashion choices? By supporting brands that prioritise sustainability and recycling, you are contributing to a better future. 

So next time you're looking for a new bag to accompany you on your daily adventures, consider choosing one that has a story to tell. From the depths of the ocean to the streets of the city, these recycled neoprene accessories are more than just functional and fun - they are symbols of a brighter, more sustainable future.