Why SunDaze Surf is actually sustainable (and how we're getting better)
At SunDaze Surf, we're passionate about creating surf swimwear that not only performs exceptionally but also leaves a positive environmental footprint. In this blog post, we're excited to share what makes our recycled surfwear truly sustainable. We don't just claim sustainability, we back it up with tangible reasons that highlight our commitment to preserving our oceans and planet. Join us as we explore the core elements that set our surfwear apart and discover why choosing our brand means choosing a greener and more responsible surfing experience.
Redefining Swimwear with Eco-Friendly Practices
In recent years, the fashion industry has faced growing scrutiny for its environmental impact, particularly in relation to the production of swimwear. Traditional swimwear materials often contain harmful chemicals, contribute to plastic pollution, and require excessive water consumption during manufacturing. Recognising these challenges, we've made it our mission to create swimwear that not only makes you look and feel good but also treads lightly on the planet.
Our sustainable swimwear collection is carefully crafted with a range of factors in mind. From sourcing materials to manufacturing processes and even packaging, every step of our production cycle is geared towards minimising our ecological footprint. We prioritise using eco-friendly materials that are derived from recycled sources or are biodegradable, reducing the need for new resource extraction.
Beyond materials, we also take great care to ensure fair labour practices and ethical manufacturing standards. Our swimwear is produced in facilities that prioritise the well-being of workers and provide fair wages. By partnering with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability, we can create a positive ripple effect throughout the supply chain.
What makes our products sustainable?
The fabric
We use two high-performance recycled fabrics for our swimwear: ECONYL® and REPREVE®.
Our existing Bali-made swimwear uses Carvico Vita fabric by Carvico, an Italian textile company known for its commitment to sustainable practices. At the heart of this fabric lies ECONYL® yarn, a 100% regenerated nylon fibre produced by collecting and regenerating discarded nylon waste such as fishing nets, carpet flooring and industrial plastics. By giving these materials a second life, we prevent them from polluting our planet and conserve resources that would otherwise be required for the production of virgin nylon. ECONYL® reduces the global warming impact of nylon by up to 90% compared with material from oil.
Our newer swim styles are made using REPREVE® recycled performance fabric, crafted from post-consumer plastic bottles. REPREVE® is one of the world's most trusted recycled performance fibres, offering UPF 50+ protection, resistance to chlorine, oil, sun cream and pilling, and excellent stretch and recovery.
Both fabrics are a much more sustainable alternative to conventional nylon, though it is important to acknowledge that they are still plastic. During their lifetime, microplastics can still be released when washed and the fabric cannot break down on its own.
High-quality materials that make our surf swimwear last
We take pride in using only the highest-quality materials in crafting our surf suits, ensuring their durability and longevity. We use minimal hardware by design, since hardware can tarnish over time with salt water exposure if not rinsed properly after use. We get it, things can get busy after a good session or you might be somewhere remote. Where we do use it, we choose high-quality pieces specifically selected to withstand the rigours of surfing. We also continuously make small design updates based on feedback and real wear. For example, we removed the drain hole from our key pocket after finding it simply wasn't needed, and we always communicate fit updates when we restock or launch a new colour so returning customers can shop with confidence.
We also use the best OEKO-TEX® certified dyes for our prints. This ensures that vibrant colours stay bold for much longer. While some fading may occur over time due to sun exposure, our careful selection of dyes minimises this effect, allowing the print to retain its beauty season after season.
To ensure the longevity of your surf suit, we recommend following our care instructions: hand wash in cold water, avoid machine washing unless absolutely necessary, and lay flat to dry in the shade.
Keeping the supply chain as short as possible
As we have grown as a brand, we have evolved our manufacturing to be more efficient and sustainable. Our swim and apparel collection, including hoodies, tote bags and caps, is now produced in China. Many of the materials we use, such as garment bags, trims and hardware, are also manufactured there, which means we can significantly shorten our supply chain and reduce the number of times materials need to be transported across the world.
Sustainable shipping
We ship all UPS orders to your nearest UPS Access Point rather than directly to your door. Pick-up points are a more sustainable delivery option as they consolidate multiple deliveries into one location, significantly reducing the number of individual delivery trips and therefore our carbon footprint.
Transparency is key
We believe that transparency is key, especially when it comes to our fabrics and production. Our swimwear is produced in China using REPREVE® recycled performance fabric, crafted from post-consumer plastic bottles. Our apparel, including hoodies, caps and tees, is made from organic cotton that meets the high standards of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification. Our existing Bali-made swim styles use Carvico Vita fabric with ECONYL® yarn, imported from Italy. Our tote bags are made from organic cotton.
Packaging and plastic alternatives
We have made conscious choices throughout our packaging to minimise our environmental impact. Our hygiene liners are made from recycled plastic, which unlike virgin plastic, does not require new resources to produce. Our mailers are also made from recycled plastic for the same reason. We use paper hangtags and our tote bags are made from organic cotton. Our stickers and thank you cards are printed on recycled materials and double as illustrations you can keep and use as art.
Limited quantities
We take a mindful approach to production by focusing on limited quantities and small batches. By deliberately producing in this manner, we aim to reduce waste and minimise our environmental impact. By carefully planning and forecasting demand, we avoid overproduction and excess inventory that could potentially go to waste. Producing in limited quantities also enables us to ensure a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in each item we create.
Limited returns
We have made a conscious decision to encourage limited returns as part of our commitment to sustainability. Shipping is one of the largest contributors to pollution and carbon emissions in the fashion industry, so we do everything we can to help you find the right fit before you order.
Every product page includes detailed fit notes, and our model photos show the size and height of the model wearing each style so you can find someone with a similar body to yours. We also photograph our collection on a diverse range of body types for the same reason. Our styles are consistent across collections, so if you already own a SunDaze piece you can reorder with confidence, and we always share any fit updates when we restock or launch a new colour.
We host a pop-up store in Amsterdam every summer where customers can come and try on the collection in person, which also makes it easier to shop online afterwards. And lastly, we are always available for personal sizing advice, so don't hesitate to reach out before you order!
Our greener future
Our vision for a greener future is a driving force behind everything we do. We are constantly seeking out more sustainable options for our products and operations. As a small business, we face challenges, but we wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to doing the best we can to minimise our environmental impact. We believe that every small step counts, and through our collective efforts and support from customers like you, we can create a better world for future generations. Together, let's continue on this journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Click here to shop our collection of eco-conscious surf suits today