French firm Aqualung launches XSCAPE line of eco-responsible wetsuit
May 06, 2021 - France
Aqualung, a designer and manufacturer of dive and water sports gear, has launched the all new XSCAPE collection. Featuring a 100 per cent neoprene-free wetsuit and a rash guard made from sustainable materials, the XSCAPE line is designed for a variety of water activities and reflects Aqualung’s commitment to innovation, ocean discovery and sustainability.
Made with Yulex eco-friendly natural rubber and ultra-stretch fabric, the 4/3mm XSCAPE wetsuit provides enhanced comfort for diving in warm waters or above surface activities in colder temperatures, and can be used for scuba diving, snorkelling, freediving, paddling or a variety of other water sports. The flexible and lightweight XSCAPE wetsuit, available in a red and olive design for men and a tropical-inspired print for women, connects consumers to nature and the natural materials the collection is made from. The suit also features Powertex knee pads, recycled, quick-drying fleece around the torso area to provide additional warmth and comfort, and a reusable mesh bag for storage after use or collecting trash from the beach or water, according to a press release by Aqualung.
The new collection’s long-sleeve rash guard for men and women, and matching women’s leggings, offer maximum comfort and breathability and can be used above or below the surface. All rash guards and leggings feature UV protection and are made with polyester fabric sourced from recycled plastic bottles. The entire XSCAPE line comes in plastic-free packaging with hangtags made from recycled cardboard, Aqualung said.
“The XSCAPE collection continues Aqualung's legacy in innovation, and their tireless work to create the most forward thinking and eco-conscious dive company in the world. We all have the power to change the world with the choices we make, and the XSCAPE sets the new standard for wetsuits and rash guards that are stylish, functional and sustainable,” Aqualung global ocean ambassador Philippe Cousteau, the grandson of one of Aqualung’s original founders, Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau, said in a statement.
“Our aim was to design the ultimate eco-friendly wetsuit that could be used for all kinds of water sports. Aqualung is committed to using environmentally-friendly materials and processes whenever possible to help reduce our carbon footprint, and we made design choices to ensure the XSCAPE collection was as sustainable as possible. The collection name, XSCAPE, is meant to evoke the feeling of freedom and the quest for wonder that surround exploration, travel and Aqualung’s storied history, including the first ‘aqua-lung’ created by Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau and engineer Emile Gagnan that made underwater exploration possible,” Laurent Boury, senior vice president of brands at Aqualung said.