Surf Sustainably: Billabong’s New Eco-Friendly Wetsuits

Over the years, Billabong has been quietly making sustainable wetsuit upgrades that have and will continue to have far-reaching effects on the entire wetsuit industry. Not long ago, Billabong wasn’t necessarily known as a brand that produced eco-friendly, high-quality suits. However, starting in 2009, Billabong shifted its focus and began incorporating upcycled fish nets into the wetsuit liners and jerseys. 2018 saw the introduction of water-based glues, and in 2016, Billabong took a giant leap forward in the eco-friendly market and started making its neoprene from recycled car tires and scrap neoprene. 

Just three years after that, Billabong dropped an industry first: using Graphene in the internal liner. This Nobel-prize-winning material contains some mind-boggling technology: Graphene is 200 times stronger than steel but remains flexible and an excellent heat conductor. Once in motion, the graphene liner warms up quicker than competitor liners and continues producing heat even when sedentary. This groundbreaking innovation solidified Billabong as a top brand - known for making quality and eco-friendly wetsuits with an incredible warmth factor.

Moving forward, 2020 saw the launch of the Furnace Natural, which was made from Yulex rubber and included Ciclo technology, allowing the suit to break down in a landfill environment. Then, in 2023, Billabong made another massive announcement with the release of its very own natural rubber. Again, this unique rubber was only used in the Furnace Natural model.

Billabong Natural Rubber

Now, here we are in 2024. What is Billabong going to do next? How about launching not just one but a handful of different wetsuit models featuring Natural Rubber? Aside from the entry-level Foil, Billabong’s wetsuits are now 100% made from Natural Rubber and are completely neoprene-free. This specific rubber is exclusive to Billabong and made from a proprietary formula of 85% rubber sourced from FSC-certified forests, soybean oil, and recycled carbon black. 

Billabong has been producing natural rubber for a few years already, and this is by far their lightest and most flexible iteration thus far. We’ve been able to try it out, and honestly, it blows the neoprene-free competition out of the water in terms of performance, comfort, and flexibility.

Once you experience the suit in person, you’ll also notice a slight coconut scent. Any surfer knows how smelly suits can get over time, so Billabong purposely added a mild coconut scent to the Natural rubber to reduce those unwanted odors.

Props to Billabong for converting nearly its entire model line to Natural Rubber without raising the prices by a single penny. Often, when wetsuit companies launch new updates, the product cost also sees a significant price increase. 

Below, we’ll look a bit closer at each model and its unique features.

Billabong Men’s and Women’s Furnace Natural Upcycler Wetsuit

“Best in class warmth”

Our take: If you’re looking for the best of the best in warmth and performance, don’t pass on the Furnace Natural Upcycler. Considered a premium suit, it’s up there in price factor, with the 6/5 topping out at $479.95. But honestly, that’s a steal compared to other high-end neoprene suits on the market for 2024. 

The Furnace is fully lined with Graphene+, has taped seams, and has an exterior fluid seam weld for best-in-class durability and warmth. Due to these features, you’ll sacrifice a smidge of flexibility and weight, but if you’re in a cold water environment, this is your suit. It’s offered in sizes ranging from Small to 2XL in a 3/2, 4/3, 5/4 hooded, and 6/5 hooded, all featuring the slant chest zip entry.

Key Features of the Furnace Natural Upcycler Wetsuit

• Upcycler Airlite 4D Jersey: Available only at Billabong, this is the world’s first wetsuit jersey crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled materials.
• Graphene+ Lining: Experience the warmth and performance of Nobel Prize-winning graphene, now blended with recycled fibers.
• Power Welded Seams: Provide a more durable exterior seam and better watertight seal.
• Natural Rubber: Billabong's exclusive proprietary formula of natural rubber is neoprene-free and sourced from an FSC-certified, ethically managed rubber plantation.
• AirLite Ciclo: Only at Billabong: This combines Ciclo technology with the highly flexible Airlite jersey, enabling recycled fibers to break down like natural ones. This helps reduce plastic pollution in our oceans and landfills.

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Men

Women

Billabong Men’s Revolution Natural Upcycler and Women’s Salty Dayz Natural Upcycler Wetsuit

“Best in class stretch and function”

Our take: Looking for the perfect comp-style wetsuit—something that combines both flexibility and performance? The Revolution Natural Upcycler for Men and Salty Dayz Natural Upcycler for Women have you covered. Since it’s only partially lined, you get the best of both worlds: warmth and performance. The liner is placed in the body and upper legs of the suit, ensuring you stay warm where it matters most.

With a more affordable price point ranging from $300 for the 3/2 to $320 for the 4/3, these suits are great for surfers in slightly warmer climates. The women’s suit is made in sizes XS to XL, and the men’s is offered in sizes Small to 2XL.

Key Features of the Revolution Natural Upcycler and Salty Dayz Natural Upcycler Wetsuit

• Upcycler Pro Stretch: Using 100% post-consumer recycled textiles to create an incredibly flexible, durable lining. 
• Graphene Comp Lining: Competition stretch infused with Nobel Prize-winning Graphene into recycled PET yarns. 
• GBS Seams: Triple-glued and blindstitched seam construction.
• Natural Rubber: Billabong's exclusive proprietary formula of natural rubber is neoprene-free and sourced from an FSC-certified, ethically managed rubber plantation.

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Men

Women

Billabong Men’s Absolute Natural Upcycler and Women’s Synergy Natural Upcycler Wetsuit

“Premium stretch”

Our take: Over the years, the Absolute and Synergy have continually ranked among our best-selling wetsuits. Simply put, they are quality suits that offer warmth and flexibility at an affordable price point. 

In addition, the men’s model is also available in an Absolute Natural + option. Along with all the features of the Absolute Natural, the Absolute Natural + also features power-welded seams and smooth skin panels on the chest and back. These add-ons equate to more warmth from the suit during those extra-cold water sessions.

Lastly, Billabong and Cleanline Surf have teamed up to offer you the rare, 5/4 back zip wetsuit – entirely neoprene-free. This suit is exclusively available at our Cleanline Surf shops and on our website.

Key Features of the Absolute Natural Upcycler and Synergy Natural Upcycler Wetsuit

• Upcycler Pro Stretch: Using 100% post-consumer recycled textiles to create an incredibly flexible, durable lining. 
• Graphene+: The warmth and performance of Nobel prize-winning Graphene infused with 100% recycled fibers.
• GBS Seams: Triple-glued and blindstitched seam construction.
• Natural Rubber: Billabong's exclusive proprietary formula of natural rubber is neoprene-free and sourced from an FSC-certified, ethically managed rubber plantation.

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Men

Women

Billabong Men’s and Women’s Foil Wetsuit

“Value”

Our take: The entry-level Foil is Billabong’s newest model suit: giving surfers on a budget a dependable eco-friendly option. The Foil is the only suit in Billabong’s quiver that isn’t made from Natural Rubber. However, upcycled car tires and neoprene scraps make up the Lite Foam neoprene. 

The easy-to-use back zip model is great for first-time surfers or folks with limited shoulder mobility.   Available in both 3/2 and 4/3 in chest zip and back zip entry systems, the Foil carries a value price tag ranging from $190-230. What more could you ask for? Eco-friendly features with the reputation of the Billabong brand. 

Key Features of the Foil Wetsuit

• Recycler Stretch Jersey: New, soft, and flexible exterior jerseys are crafted from 100% recycled fibers.
• Graphene+: The warmth and performance of Nobel prize-winning Graphene infused with 100% recycled fibers.
• GBS Seams: Triple-glued and blindstitched seam construction.
• Lite Foam: Exceptional thermal retention, lightweight, and incredibly flexible, made from upcycled car tires and neoprene scraps.

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Men

Women

Final Thoughts

There you have it! From its proprietary Natural Rubber and Graphene lining to CiClo technology, Billabong is continually finding ways to make surfing a more sustainable lifestyle. They have certainly done it again—leveling up big time in the eco-friendly wetsuit market. 

At the moment, there’s not much competition with Billabong’s neoprene-free wetsuit prices. In fact, their most expensive suit (the 6/4 Furnace Natural Upcycler  is only $479.95, which is about $160 less than other comparable neoprene-free suits. It’s a mystery to me how Billabong produces such a high-performing Natural Rubber without raising its prices across the board.

Whether you’re in the market for a high-end Furnace, mid-range Revolution/Salty Dayz, affordable Absolute/Synergy, or entry-level Foil, Billabong has something for you. In fact, they also have a few Natural Rubber spring suits and youth full suits available as well. 

If you have any questions about Billabong suits in general, feel free to comment below, call our team at 888-546-6176, or email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com.

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