ECOPRENE™ Performance Material by ABYSSE

ECOPRENE™ is ABYSSE’s proprietary wetsuit material system, developed by ABYSSE using premium Japanese limestone neoprene sourced from Yamamoto, combined with recycled inner and outer linings.

Designed for surfers, divers, and ocean women, ECOPRENE is engineered to deliver performance, comfort, and durability for real ocean use, while reducing reliance on conventional petroleum-based neoprene.

ECOPRENE is used across selected ABYSSE wetsuits and surf suits where long-term wear, flexibility, and thermal performance are essential.

What Is ECOPRENE?

ECOPRENE is a proprietary material system created by ABYSSE for use in finished wetsuits and surfwear.

It combines:

Limestone-based neoprene foam
Recycled inner (next-to-skin) lining
Recycled outer fabric
ABYSSE-specific construction standards

The result is a material chosen to balance warmth, stretch, comfort, and durability in demanding ocean conditions.

Limestone-Based Neoprene

Unlike traditional neoprene made from petroleum oil, ECOPRENE uses limestone-derived chloroprene as its base material.

This manufacturing approach:

Replaces petroleum oil with limestone as a primary raw material
Produces a dense and consistent foam structure
Is commonly used in high-end wetsuits for thermal efficiency and long-term performance

Limestone-based neoprene is widely recognised within the wetsuit industry for its durability and resistance to compression over time.

Recycled Inner and Outer Linings

Both the interior lining (next to the skin) and the exterior fabric used in ECOPRENE are made using recycled fibres, primarily sourced from post-consumer plastic waste.

These linings contribute to:

A soft and comfortable hand-feel
Improved stretch and recovery
Long-term shape retention
Reduced use of virgin synthetic fibres

Softness and Comfort

ECOPRENE is known for its noticeably soft feel, which is often one of the first things customers notice when handling an ABYSSE wetsuit.

The combination of limestone neoprene foam and recycled stretch linings results in:

A smooth, supple texture
Reduced stiffness compared to traditional neoprene
Increased comfort during extended wear

Easy Entry and Removal

Thanks to its high elasticity and recovery, ECOPRENE allows for easier entry and removal compared to stiffer neoprene materials.

This makes ABYSSE wetsuits more practical for:

Cold or early-morning sessions
Multiple surfs or swims in one day
Travel and regular use

Thermal Performance

The dense microcell structure of limestone-based neoprene helps limit water movement within the material, supporting thermal retention commonly expected in performance wetsuits.

This structure supports:

Consistent warmth
Reduced wind chill
Comfort across varying conditions

Why ABYSSE Uses Japanese Limestone Neoprene

ABYSSE sources premium Japanese limestone neoprene from Yamamoto, a manufacturer recognised for technical expertise and consistency in neoprene production.

Using Yamamoto neoprene allows ABYSSE to meet specific requirements for:

Stretch and recovery
Thermal efficiency
Long-term durability

ECOPRENE reflects ABYSSE’s approach to material selection — prioritising performance, longevity, and responsible sourcing where possible.

Our Approach

ECOPRENE has been developed and used by ABYSSE since 2021 as a proprietary material system applied to finished wetsuits and surfwear.

At ABYSSE, material choices are guided by:

Performance suitability for real ocean use
Longevity and durability
Responsible sourcing and material selection

ECOPRENE is part of this approach — combining alternative raw materials and recycled components within a proprietary system designed for finished wetsuits and surfwear.

Trademark Notice

ECOPRENE™ is a trade mark of ABYSSE identifying a proprietary material system used in ABYSSE wetsuits and surfwear.
It is not a generic type of neoprene.

FAQ

What is ECOPRENE?

ECOPRENE is ABYSSE’s proprietary wetsuit material system, developed for use in finished wetsuits and surfwear and combining limestone-based neoprene with recycled linings.

Is ECOPRENE the same as Yamamoto neoprene?

ECOPRENE uses premium Japanese limestone neoprene sourced from Yamamoto as its base material, combined with ABYSSE’s specific fabric choices, linings, and construction standards.

Is ECOPRENE more sustainable than standard neoprene?

ECOPRENE replaces petroleum-based neoprene with limestone-based neoprene and incorporates recycled linings, reducing reliance on petroleum and virgin synthetic fibres compared to conventional neoprene.

Are the linings recycled?

Yes. Both the inner and outer linings used in ECOPRENE™ are made using recycled fibres, primarily derived from post-consumer plastic waste.

Why does ECOPRENE feel softer?

The combination of limestone-based neoprene foam and recycled stretch linings results in a softer, more supple feel compared to traditional petroleum-based neoprene.

Is ECOPRENE easier to put on and take off?

Yes. ECOPRENE has high elasticity and recovery, making entry and removal easier and reducing stiffness during wear.

Is ECOPRENE warm?

Limestone-based neoprene has a dense microcell structure that helps limit water movement within the material, supporting thermal retention in performance wetsuits.

Does ECOPRENE last?

ECOPRENE is designed for durability and resistance to compression over time, helping ABYSSE wetsuits retain their shape and performance with proper care.