Is Neoprene Vegan? Material Facts & Alternatives
Also known as: Polychloroprene, CR (chloroprene rubber), Wetsuit rubber
Vegan
No animal products or byproducts are involved in the production of this material.
Origin
Synthetic — polychloroprene, produced by polymerisation of chloroprene (a petroleum derivative). Developed by DuPont in 1930.
Common Uses
Wetsuits, laptop sleeves, phone cases, knee braces, gardening gloves, fashion accessories.
Durability
Excellent. Highly durable, waterproof, insulating, buoyant, and resistant to weathering and UV.
Environmental Impact
High Environmental ImpactChloroprene production involves hazardous chemicals. Not biodegradable. However, new bio-based neoprene alternatives exist — Yulex is produced from FSC-certified natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) and is used by Patagonia in its wetsuits.
Editorial Notes
Traditional neoprene is petroleum-derived and vegan. Patagonia's Yulex wetsuits use natural rubber instead of neoprene — also vegan and significantly more sustainable. Limestone-based neoprene ('Geoprene') also exists as an alternative to petroleum-derived chloroprene.