Zhik, renowned for its cutting-edge and durable wetsuits, has expanded its reZHIKle program that aims to establish a circular life cycle for Zhik products, ensuring environmentally friendly disposal methods for used wetsuits.
Customers in Australia and New Zealand are now invited to participate in the eco-friendly initiative by depositing their used wetsuits in reZHIKle boxes, available at over 30 partner stores.
The program continues to attract more distributors of Zhik’s brand, signifying growing support for sustainable practices within the water sports community.
To facilitate the recycling process, customers have the option to purchase reZHIKle boxes in various sizes to accommodate their unwanted suits.
Once filled, these boxes are collected through contactless methods, making the recycling process convenient and accessible.
Nigel Curry, general manager of Whitworth’s Marine, Australia’s largest Zhik stockist with 16 stores nationwide, expressed enthusiasm for the program.
“As a key distributor of Zhik in Australia, we are excited to take on the reZHIKle program, allowing customers to give a new life to their unloved wetsuits.”
Unused wetsuits that cannot be upcycled or donated are shredded and repurposed by recycling specialists, Upparel, into rubber items such as shoes and outdoor playground equipment flooring.
Johnny Rodgers, Zhik’s Marketing Partnerships and Global Sponsorship manager, underscored the importance of the partnership with Upparel in realising the reZHIKle program’s objectives.
“We’ve been looking for a partner to help bring our reZHIKle plan to life for a long time, and Upparel does a brilliant job in allowing water sports enthusiasts to build a circular product lifecycle.”
According to Zhik, its commitment to sustainability extends beyond the reZHIKle program.
The brand’s Research & Development Team is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of products and implementing sustainable manufacturing processes.
Zhik said it aims to source its entire product range from sustainable and recycled materials.
Zhik’s design team collaborates with leaders in sustainable fabrics and materials to develop the best available options and create proprietary fabrics and coatings.
