PRODUCTS
We’re committed to creating high-quality surf products while reducing our impact on people and planet by taking a holistic approach to the product lifecycle, from materials and production to packaging and end-of-life solutions.
We work closely with our supply chain partners to integrate preferred materials into our apparel and accessories and adopt production methods that lower environmental impact without compromising on performance.
Our goal is for 100% of our apparel and accessories to contain preferred materials by 2030. In FY24, 66% of these products included preferred fibres, up from 54% in FY23 and 30% in FY22.
We’re focused on increasing efficiency across our supply chain, using fewer resources and reducing waste. We're expanding repair services for key products like wetsuits and watches, and are moving toward greater product circularity with initiatives that support repair, recycling, and reuse to help reduce our impact on landfill.
Plant & Man-Made Fibres
Responsible cotton
Rip Curl’s goal is to achieve 100% responsibly sourced cotton by 2026. To do this, we are a Better Cotton member and source a mix of organic, recycled or Better Cotton from our suppliers.
Organic Cotton is certified according to organic agricultural standards. It’s traceable and certified by a third party according to the OCS (Organic Cotton Standard) or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), offering comfort and quality with a lower impact compared to conventional cotton.
Recycled Cotton is sourced from pre-consumer factory cotton waste reducing the amount of virgin cotton within the product. We currently use 30% recycled cotton in our Icon Pill Tee.
Better Cotton supports farmers to use water more efficiently, care for soil health, reduce harmful chemicals, and improve workers’ rights and overall well-being.
Linen and Hemp
Linen and hemp are long-standing natural fibres recognised in Rip Curl’s preferred materials range. Linen is derived from the inner stalk fibres of the flax plant, while hemp is a multi-purpose crop cultivated for its seeds, fibres, and flowers. Although their production and processing can have environmental impacts if not carefully managed, these fibres remain valued for their durability and versatility.
LENZING™ ECOVERO™
LENZING™ ECOVERO™ is a brand of viscose fibres derived from certified or controlled wood sources using a production process which meets stringent environmental standards (EU Ecolabel for textile products, license no. AT/016/001). LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres are made with at least 50% less carbon emissions and water consumption compared to generic viscose (*) Results based on LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and available via Higg MSI Version 3.9.1 (December 2024).
Synthetics
Recycled Polyester and Recycled Polyamide
Recycled Polyester (rPET) and Recycled Polyamide (Nylon) - We are transitioning to recycled synthetic materials to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which are non-renewable resources.
We use pre-consumer recycled materials and post-consumer recycled materials, such as recycled polyester from PET plastic bottles, extensively throughout our boardshorts, luggage, and backpacks.
CORDURA® re/cor
CORDURA® re/cor RPET is fabric made with at least 40% high-tenacity post-consumer recycled polyester yarn (by weight of polyester fabric excluding any coating). The fabric meets the performance and durability specifications of the CORDURA® brand. It can be found in our F-Light Hybrid travel and Search Mission backpacks.
Elastomer
Bloom®
Bloom® is a blend of algae powder and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), a synthetic foam used to make shoe soles and other products. To harvest the algae from waterways, water is pumped, filtered, and restored to the environment. The algae is then collected, dried, crushed, and mixed with other components to produce Bloom® foam.
Plant Based Foam
Rip Curl has been on the Search for alternatives to traditional neoprene since 2021. The latest development is OCENA® Rubber by Sheico which is a new bio-based alternative to neoprene foam. OCENA® is made from rubber tapped from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified plantations, oyster shell powder, and bio-based oils. OCENA is a USDA certified Bio-based material, and it contains recycled carbon black derived from scrap tyres. Our Dawn Patrol and E Bomb wetsuit models are now made using 100% OCENA® Rubber.
Animal Materials
Wool
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a voluntary standard. From farm and right through production, certification ensures that wool for certified farms is properly identified and tracked. The RWS working group spent time researching existing animal welfare and land management standards to come up with a standard for best practices for the industry. Rip Curl is utilising RWS-certified wool in some of our headwear currently and we are planning to increase the content of RWS-certified wool as part of our preferred materials strategy.
Plant Based Foam
Rip Curl has been on the Search for alternatives to traditional neoprene since 2021. The latest development is OCENA® Rubber by Sheico which is a new bio-based alternative to neoprene foam. OCENA® is made from rubber tapped from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified plantations, oyster shell powder, and bio-based oils. OCENA is a USDA certified Bio-based material, and it contains recycled carbon black derived from scrap tyres. Our Dawn Patrol and E Bomb wetsuit models are now made using 100% OCENA® Rubber.
Solutions
Solution Dye
Solution dyeing is a process where colour is added directly to the polymer pellets before yarn is formed, significantly reducing water, energy, and chemical use compared to traditional dyeing. It also improves colourfastness, making fabrics more resistant to fading from washing and UV exposure. Used in the black external jerseys of our Flashbomb, E Bomb, and Dawn Patrol wetsuit models, solution dyeing offers a lower-impact alternative that supports longer-lasting, high-performance textiles.
Water-based Glues and Laminations
Water-based glues and laminations are adhesive solutions that use water as the primary solvent, minimising VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions, and offering a safer, less toxic alternative for bonding materials. These glues maintain strong adhesion while reducing their impact on both the environment and workers. Rip Curl is transitioning the majority of our wetsuits to water-based laminations, now featured in our Ultimate and Core models.
Recycled Carbon Black
Recycled Carbon Black involves the pyrolysis (the chemical decomposition of organic carbon-based materials through the application of heat) of waste tyres to produce recovered carbon black (rCB). This process has less of an impact when compared to traditional carbon black production. The rCB, gives a deep black hue to the rubber and enhances its ozone resistance, replacing the need for traditional petroleum-based carbon black in the production of our Flashbomb, E Bomb, Dawn Patrol, and Omega models.
Packaging
Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC)
The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organisation, providing trusted solutions to help safeguard the world’s forests and tackle today’s deforestation, climate, and biodiversity challenges. Most of Rip Curl’s primary packaging utilises FSC-certified materials to support zero deforestation, fair labour practices, biodiversity conservation, and local communities. Most of our hang tags are also printed using Soy Ink.
Polybags
Polybags - Our polybags are made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE 4 ) with BDP™ additive, designed to enhance breakdown in oxygen free, microbe rich environments such as landfills. Note that these bags are not compostable. Our polybags can contain up to 30% recycled content, and our strategy is to progress to 100% recycled.
