Terraprene® Vision Wetsuit

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is Terraprene and what does it decompose into? -Terraprene  is a synthetic rubber with similar properties to performance neoprene, but is produced from renewable feedstocks and is 100% biodegradable rubber. It uses limestone rock (calcium carbonate) as the key ingredient to replace the main petrochemical inputs to make polychoroprene (neoprene). In landfill conditions, it breaks down into methane and biomass, like other organic materials in landfill. There’s no micro-plastics to worry about. 
• How do traditional neoprene wetsuits degrade? - Traditional neoprene is a synthetic rubber, made from petrochemicals, with great performance in wetsuits. However, it is highly resistant to a broad range of environmental conditions, but it is non-biodegradable and will last 100+ years in landfill, stiffening and then breaking down chemically into smaller particles over long periods of time. 
• Under what conditions does the Terraprene  material biodegrade, and how long does it take? - Correct heat, moisture and pressure found in landfill conditions, as tested to ASTM 5511 Standard. The ASTM 5511 assessment determines the rate and degree of anaerobic biodegradation of plastic materials in high-solids anaerobic conditions – a lab-proxy for best-case conditions found in landfill. The Terraprene will biodegrade 30% in 522 days in landfill conditions, this is ensuring there is the correct heat, moisture and pressure.  
• How should I dispose of my Terraprene wetsuit at end of its life? - When at end of life, dispose of it in landfill, where it will decompose. Don’t try to compost it at home as there won’t be enough pressure in your garden compost bin.