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Sustainability

Our Commitment to Ocean Sustainability

At Circle One, the ocean isn’t just at the heart of our business — it’s the reason we exist. We’re committed to protecting it for future generations, and for everyone who enjoys it today. Sustainability isn’t a “nice to have” for us — it’s an obligation we take seriously, every day.

  • ✅ Built-to-last products that reduce waste
  • ✅ Lower-impact materials and manufacturing choices
  • ✅ Repairs + recycling to keep neoprene out of landfill
  • ✅ Reduced plastic packaging
  • ✅ Supporting UK coastal protection through Surfers Against Sewage

Thoughtfully Designed, Built to Last

The most sustainable product is the one you don’t have to replace. That’s why every Circle One product is designed with longevity in mind — from surfboards to wetsuits — prioritising quality so you can use your gear for as long as possible.

By creating products that last, we actively reduce the waste that fuels the “buy, use, discard” cycle. Our surfboards are hand-finished using a blend of modern technology and craft, built to stand the test of time.


Sustainable Materials, Greener Choices

We choose materials and processes that reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. Sustainability is about lots of small, measurable improvements — and doing them consistently.

✅ Limestone Neoprene

Our wetsuits use limestone neoprene, an alternative to traditional petrochemical-based neoprene. It’s designed to be durable and long-lasting, helping keep wetsuits out of landfill for longer.

✅ Water-Based Glues

We use water-based adhesives to reduce the harmful solvents and VOCs associated with traditional glues — lowering air and water pollution during production.

✅ Recycled Carbon Black

Our neoprene production features carbon black sourced from recycled tyres, turning waste into a valuable input and reducing overall resource demand.


Minimising Waste in Production

We’re committed to reducing water use and limiting pollution through smarter manufacturing methods. One example is dope-dyeing, where colour is integrated into fibres at an early stage — significantly reducing water consumption and helping prevent dye runoff.

  • ✅ Lower water consumption during fabric colouring
  • ✅ Reduced risk of dye runoff entering waterways
  • ✅ Consistent colour performance over time

Wetsuit Repair: Keeping Gear Out of Landfill

We’ve been making surfboards and wetsuits since the 1960s and we still operate from our original site in Crediton, Devon. That long history gives us deep knowledge of what fails first — and how to fix it properly.

Our in-house expertise allows us to offer wetsuit repairs, extending the life of your gear and reducing neoprene waste. Wherever possible, we even reuse neoprene from old wetsuits for patching and repairs.

Quick answers

✅ Why repair? Repairs are often the most impactful option because they keep your existing wetsuit in use.

✅ What can be repaired? Tears, seam splits, worn panels, zip issues and common leak points.


Wetsuit Recycling Programme

Circle One were one of the first UK surf companies to champion the reuse and repurposing of end-of-life wetsuits. In 2020 we partnered with Barefoot.Tech, a recycling company in Wales, who transform old wetsuits into unique, up-cycled products.

✅ We’ve successfully repurposed thousands of wetsuits and neoprene accessories since the programme began, and we continue to invest in this initiative at our own cost.

Learn more about this pioneering initiative here.


Reducing Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is one of the most visible threats to the ocean — and one of the easiest places for brands to improve quickly. We’ve taken meaningful steps to reduce packaging waste across the business.

  • ✅ Cardboard packaging for accessories
  • ✅ Compostable bags for wetsuits
  • ✅ Reduced bubble-wrap on surfboards wherever safely possible

Protecting Our Ocean Communities

Sustainability isn’t only about products — it’s also about protecting the places we surf, swim and live. That’s why we’re proud partners of the Surfers Against Sewage Ocean Network, supporting action to safeguard the UK’s coastal environment.

✅ Want to support the cause? Join a beach clean, reduce single-use plastics, repair your gear, and recycle what you can. Small changes at scale make a huge difference.


Questions? We’re Happy to Help

If you have questions about any aspect of our operations, our materials, our repairs, or our recycling programme, please contact us on 01363 773005 or email sales@circle-one.co.uk.

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