Yulex 2.0

A new iteration of the natural rubber alternative to neoprene, Yulex 2.0 has a superior degree of stretch and elasticity. We spoke to Yulex CEO Liz Bui about this new innovation

What is Yulex?

Yulex is the world’s first plant-based replacement for neoprene, and it performs equally or better on all applications. Neoprene production is a non-sustainable and environmentally hazardous process in many ways. Nearly all neoprene is created using petroleum, which is a non-renewable and quickly depleting resource, and due to the artificial polymers used to make it, neoprene is hard to recycle at the end of life. Yulex was founded to create a sustainable and renewable plant-based alternative made from natural rubber sourced from hevea brasiliensis rubber trees. It was first adopted by Patagonia in 2014. Today, over 50 brands use Yulex, meaning customers don’t have to compromise and choose between performance and their impact on the planet.  

What is Yulex 2.0 and how does it differ from Yulex? 

Yulex 2.0 products have a superior degree of stretch and elasticity, which gives wearers a big range of movement and the swimsuits and wetsuits are easier to get on and take off. 

How is the natural rubber sourced? 

Yulex natural rubber is derived from renewable rubber tree forests from authorised natural rubber partners and plantations in Southeast Asia. We have over 1,500 smallholders in Vietnam and over 240 smallholders in Thailand. We can trace all our natural rubber back to the specific plot of land or smallholder, meaning we have full transparency and accountability as well as a commitment to improving their livelihoods.

How do you ensure the supply chain benefits local communities?

Like many farmers, natural rubber smallholders are often the most economically vulnerable in the supply chain, making significantly very low margins. We established our Equitable Agriculture programme to create a fairer, more equitable future for the natural rubber smallholders in our supply chain and we share a significant percentage of our raw material sales profits with them.

Which swimwear brands are using Yulex 2.0?

Finisterre uses the Yulex 2.0 foam in its new Kaia swimsuit range. Specifically designed for open water swimming and surfing, the Kaia swimsuit is made from 2mm Yulex natural rubber foam, providing an added layer of warmth, coverage and protection in the water. The Yulex 2.0 natural rubber foam gives enhanced stretch, ensuring an optimal range of movement while making the swimsuit easier to get on and take off.

Find out more at yulex.com. Finisterre Kaia 2mm Yulex® Swimsuit, £140.

Photos: Tim Davis