Rip Curl has expanded its wetsuit recycling program to all stores nationally* ahead of National Recycling Week.
The expanded program will allow Aussies to drop off any surf branded wetsuit to Rip Curl stores across Australia to receive a $20 same day in-store credit.
The materials will be recycled in partnership with TerraCycle to be repurposed as soft fall matting in playgrounds and outdoor gyms.
The expanded 'Wetsuit Take Back Recycling Program' comes off the back of a successful pilot program with TerraCycle, which began at Rip Curl's Torquay flagship store in April 2018.
The pilot program has seen over 2,500 wetsuits recycled and saved from landfill.
Rip Curl environmental, social and governance manager Shasta O’Loughlin said the business was proud to bring the program to a wider audience.
"One of our core values at Rip Curl is Community and Environment, and with this in mind we have spent over three years developing the most effective and environmentally conscious solution for wetsuit recycling available in Australia today.
"TerraCycle has a huge network and were able to assist us in finding the best possible solution for recycling used wetsuit neoprene.
"We are really excited about this partnership, and the reach that it can provide across Australia," she said.
As part of the expanded program, select Rip Curl stores will accept any surf branded wetsuit, not including booties, gloves, hoods or heavy diving dry suits.
Customers can drop off their used wetsuits in store at no cost and if proximity is an issue or for those who live in Tasmania, the Northern Territory or the ACT, the selected stores are also accepting wetsuits via post.
O’Loughlin added that the business is aiming to expand the program overseas.
"Once the program has proven itself here at home, we are excited to explore a global expansion.
"We want to give all surfers the opportunity to recycle their old wetsuits.
"Rip Curl creates products for surfers, by surfers, and we want to ensure we extend the life of those products and repurpose them into a second commodity.
"Our nation-wide expansion and partnership with TerraCycle is the next big step in this space," she said.
Globally, TerraCycle has recycled more than 7 billion units and raised more than $44 million for charities.
National Recycling Week commences on November 08 2021.
Aussie customers will be able to drop their wetsuits off from November 1-25 2021.
*Stores participating in the program are:
VIC: Torquay, Sorrento (foreshore), Melbourne, Mordialloc, Mornington, Tullamarine (T1),Tullamarine (T4), Newtown, Newhaven
NSW: Byron Bay, Manly, Bondi Beach, Miranda, North Wollongong, Cronulla, Merimbula, Shellharbour, Mascot, Narrabeen, Ulladulla, Ballina, Jindabyne, Kiama, Merewether, Thredbo
QLD: Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, Maroochydore, Noosaville, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Mooloolaba, Noosa, Brisbane, Bundaburg, Port Douglas, Broadbeach, Gladstone, Marcoola, Maroochydore, Townsville, Yeppoon
SA: Henley Beach
WA: Scarborough, Cannington, Joondalup, Perth, Hillarys, Broome, Margaret River