Industry

Zhik Extending ‘reZHIKle’ Wetsuit Recycling Scheme Across Australia and New Zealand.

Published on: 13th Mar, 2024

Zhik is renowned for producing technologically advanced and hard-wearing wetsuits, and now the innovative brand is working hard to create a circular life cycle for their products, ensuring disposing of them is as environmentally friendly as possible too.

Customers in Australia and New Zealand can now play their eco-friendly part in the sustainability story, by placing their used wetsuits in the reZHIKle boxes in over 30 partner stores so far, with more distributors of the ZHIK brand signing up to the program every day.

Customers also have the option to purchase reZHIKle boxes in a selection of sizes, to be filled with their unwanted suits, which are then collected contactlessly.

Whitworth’s Marine, Australia’s largest Zhik stockist with 16 stores across Australia, is thrilled with the scheme. General Manager Nigel Curry said, “As a key distributor of Zhik in Australia, we are excited to take on the reZHIKle program which allows customers to give a new life to their unloved wetsuits”.

Wetsuits that can’t be upcycled or donated are shredded into pieces and used to make rubber items, like shoes and outdoor playground equipment flooring, by recycling specialists, Upparel.

Johnny Rodgers, Zhik Marketing Partnerships and Global Sponsorship Manager said, “we’ve been looking for a partner to help bring our reZHIKle plan to life for a long time, and Upparel do a brilliant job in allowing water sports enthusiasts to build a circular product lifecycle. I like to think our wetsuits not only protect you in the water but can now go on to protect you on land, too.”

The pioneering brand is currently looking to extend the program across the rest of the globe and invite upcycling brands to get in touch.

ABOUT ZHIK

Zhik is a leading brand in the sailing industry, committed to pushing the boundaries of design and technology to provide sailors with the best gear for optimal performance. With a legacy of innovation, Zhik continues to be a preferred choice among professional and recreational sailors worldwide.

ZHIK SUSTAINABILITY

A key objective of Zhik’s Research & Development Team is to significantly reduce the environmental impact of products and create sustainable manufacturing processes. Zhik is on a journey to have the entire product range sourced from sustainable and recycled materials.

With requirements for high performance, durable, breathable waterproofs and thermal insulated fabrics, there is no one quick solution to solve the needs of all sailors from light inshore use to extreme ocean levels of protection.

Which is why Zhik’s design team are working in ongoing collaboration with leaders in the field of sustainable fabrics and materials to establish the best commercially available options and create our own proprietary fabrics and coatings.

For more information about the reZHIKle program, and other Zhik products, please visit www.zhik.com.