New Zhik ECO Wetsuits achieve Special Mention in METS Dame Awards
by Liz Rushall 13 Nov 2018 11:07 PST
13 November 2018
Zhik Womens ECOFOAM Wetsuit Top © Zhik
The new Zhik ECO Wetsuit received a Special Mention today at the METS DAME awards, recognising Zhik's innovations in technical sailing apparel for the third year in a row.
The ECO Wetsuit is an environmental step forwards for all dinghy sailors and watersports lovers. Since establishing its credentials with Olympic sailors for the 2000 Bejing Games, Zhik has consistently changed the face of sailing clothing with its design-led approach to innovation.
The new technical range of Zhik ECO Wetsuits now perform to a high ecological standards, with strong environmentally friendly credentials compared with traditional non-biodegradable, oil-based neoprenes.
Zhik ECO Wetsuits are made from a 2mm 100% neoprene-free ECOFOAM, which uses sustainable, natural plant-based materials and recycled plastic fabrics. Manufacturing ECOFOAM produces far less toxic CO2 emissions than conventional, non-renewable neoprene fabrics, causing less harm to the planet.
Zhik's CEO, Piet Poelmann comments, "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition by the DAME Awards for the third consecutive time. Zhik's ethos is summarised in our tagline #MadeForWater. Water is our playground, and it covers 71% of the world! Through our involvement of many 'clean water' initiatives, like the recent Volvo Ocean race, we know there is much to do. Already, we have started to remove plastics from our packaging. Now launching the ECO Wetsuit, it is our way to try and help keep our playground clean."
An average of 32 plastic bottles are recycled and used in each Skiff suit, and 16 plastic bottles for each top, to create the outer fabric and inner fleece lining fabrics. Zhik have opted to use 100% recycled polyester content in its fabrics to lessen the use of petroleum and 'virgin' polyesters. A natural emulsion is used to remove all impurities and create a strong, stretchy, non-sensitizing material.
Bart Milczarczyk, Head of Design adds, "Zhik, like many other companies is environmentally conscious and understand that there is a lot more to do. The intention of the ECO Wetsuits is to focus on the process of manufacturing a more environmentally-friendly high-performance wetsuit. The DAME Awards Special Mention is just amazing. However, it's not just about releasing a few new products and winning awards. It's about taking consistent steps progressively in the right direction."
ECOFOAM provides good thermal insulation and the 100% recycled, soft fleece lining is quick to dry. The fabric has built in four-way stretch enabling excellent flexibility, and the use of flatlocked seams add to the wearer's comfort. As with all Zhik's wetsuits, ECO Wetsuits are design with 3D body mapping fit technology to ensure your suit moves with you and enhances your kinetic movements on board.
"At Zhik we aim to continuously lead the marine industry with performance and advancement's in materials. Our new Eco Wetsuit meets our rigorous standards for strength, stretch and durability, but with superior ECO performance," comments Drue Kerr Designer and Production Manager.
Zhik's hallmark ZhikTex II abrasion resistant fabric protects the high wear areas, and the patented waterproof 'Loo-Rip' seal does what it says on the tin!
The ECO Range comprises the ECO Skiff Suit and Top, together with a coordinating ECO Spandex UPF50+ protective stretch top.
www.zhik.com