Feral Hooded 543mm Wetsuit Sustainability Report

All Feral wetsuits, including the Hooded 543mm, are produced with limestone-based Yamamoto neoprene. Although some brands claim this type of neoprene has a lower impact, we don’t include it in our sustainability criteria. While it avoids direct use of fossil fuels, producing limestone-based neoprene still requires energy-intensive extraction and processing. We also found no research confirming that it has a lower environmental impact than petroleum-based neoprene.

Some wetsuit brands have begun to transition away from petroleum-based neoprene, which relies on non-renewable fossil fuels. Among the alternatives, the lowest-impact option is Yulex, a plant-based rubber derived from Forest Stewardship Council–certified hevea trees, which are a renewable resource. Yulex has an 80% reduced carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based neoprene. Other brands use limestone-based neoprene as an alternative to petroleum-based versions. While it avoids oil extraction and the associated risk of spills, limestone is still a non-renewable resource that requires energy-intensive mining and processing. Some companies claim that limestone-based neoprene has a lower environmental impact than petroleum-based versions, but we have yet to find research or lifecycle assessments to substantiate that claim. As a result, we do not include limestone-based neoprene in our low-impact rubber criterion.

The Feral Hooded 543mm uses only PFAS-free materials, meaning the suit is produced without the use of forever chemicals.

The materials in a wetsuit often contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) as part of the product’s defense against outside moisture and stains. These synthetic compounds, also known as "forever chemicals,” are found in a range of gear categories, from jackets to footwear. They resist water, oil, and heat exceptionally well, making them ideal for outdoor use, but their nearly indestructible nature also means that they take an extremely long time to degrade, if at all. PFAS can eventually end up in everything from soil to drinking water and have been linked to a range of health issues.

It is unclear if Feral uses solvent-free, water-based adhesives to construct its wetsuits. We contacted the company to ask and did not receive a response.

Some outdoor gear, such as wetsuits and tents, uses adhesives to bond materials together. These adhesives are often solvent based and can contain harmful chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are hazardous to human health and contribute to air pollution during manufacturing and off-gassing. Switching to water-based adhesives significantly reduces VOC emissions, improving air quality and creating a safer environment for workers. Water-based alternatives can still provide strong, durable bonds suitable for technical seam construction, but with a reduced environmental impact.

The Feral Hooded 543mm is not produced with any recycled materials.

Outdoor gear can be made partly or entirely from recycled materials, the most common being nylon, polyester, wool, and down. Some products include a single recycled component or a partially recycled fabric, while others are 100% recycled (generally excluding accessories like zippers, Velcro, toggles, etc.). For our sustainability ratings, we evaluate the amount of recycled materials in a particular product and assign points accordingly.

Feral does not currently utilize solution-dyed fabrics in its wetsuits, including the Hooded 543mm.

Solution dyeing is a process in which pigment is added to a synthetic fiber’s raw materials during production instead of after. Compared to traditional methods, solution dyeing reduces water consumption, energy use, and carbon dioxide emissions, and releases fewer chemicals overall. In addition to these environmental benefits, solution-dyed fabrics resist fading because the fiber’s pigment becomes intrinsic to it, rather than being dyed on the surface.

Feral emphasizes small-batch production, which helps reduce waste and resource consumption. Although the brand does not currently hold third-party certifications like Bluesign or Fair Trade, its commitment to durable, high-quality products is notable. We reached out to the company for more information about its manufacturing but have not heard back. As a result, Feral does not meet our criteria for responsible manufacturing.

This criterion evaluates a brand's commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing its environmental impact throughout the production process. Responsible manufacturing is most commonly demonstrated through certifications and membership in programs such as Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accreditation of Production, and the Fair Labor Association. We also recognize brands that prioritize local production, such as those that manufacture primarily in the United States or Europe, to reduce carbon emissions, maintain better oversight of working conditions, and comply with strict social and environmental regulations.

Feral does not provide any publicly available information about recycled or reduced packaging in its shipping practices. However, the company shared with us that it uses recycled cardboard for its packaging.

Packaging can add significant waste to an outdoor gear purchase and often ends up in landfills. Many brands are using recycled packaging and/or making efforts to reduce packaging altogether. For example, they may use a certain percentage of recycled cardboard or make efforts to use less plastic or paper across their packaging operation. In some cases, brands also use Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, which helps to ensure sustainable sourcing of forest materials.

Feral will repair or replace defective products within one year of their purchase, but will not repair wetsuits that have been damaged or worn out from everyday use. As a result, the brand does not meet our criteria for repair services.

Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption. Some brands offer comprehensive repair programs that can fix a wide range of issues, while others have more limited capabilities. If a brand's warranty policy only covers replacement, rather than repair, these programs usually do not meet this criterion.

Feral does not currently offer a wetsuit recycling or resale program. However, its focus on durable, long-lasting construction encourages consumers to use their gear for a long time. Recycling programs are increasingly common in the wetsuit industry and help keep materials out of landfills while promoting a circular product lifecycle.

Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation for longer and out of landfills. The most common form is a trade-in program, where consumers can exchange items for store credit, which is then resold. Some brands accept products back for recycling at the end of their life, thereby reducing waste. Occasionally, some do both.

Feral does not publicly disclose carbon footprint tracking data or emissions reduction targets. The company shared with us that they do not track this information.

This criterion evaluates whether this brand measures its greenhouse gas emissions, along with its commitment to reduction and transparency in reporting. Typically, we require brands to follow established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. Most companies use the widely recognized scope categorization system for measuring brand emissions. Those who earn the most points in this category have emissions reduction goals verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a global organization that helps companies set greenhouse gas reduction targets in line with the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C. To verify their goals through SBTi, companies undergo a rigorous assessment process and continual follow-up to ensure consistent progress towards achieving their targets.

Feral does not currently release an annual impact report on its sustainability practices. The brand’s small-scale operation likely explains why it does not publish annual impact reports. Producing these reports requires dedicated resources for data collection, analysis, and publication—an undertaking that may be beyond the capacity of a two-person team focused primarily on product design and production. While this limitation is understandable, it also means consumers have little insight into the company’s long-term sustainability efforts, making transparency a key area for growth.

An impact report is an important step toward transparency and accountability on the sustainability front. These reports vary in form but generally cover topics such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions tracking, waste and water usage, supply chain analysis, and packaging efforts. For our sustainability ratings, we evaluate this criterion based on the depth and quality of the information provided in the report, and how often it is produced. Some brands produce their own impact report, while others are published by their parent company. In practice, we’ve found that reports produced by individual brands include more detailed information about their sustainability efforts.