ZHIK'S WETSUIT RECYCLING PROGRAM IN STORE

How exactly do you keep my items out of landfill and give them a second life?

Zhik is working with UPPAREL, the most trusted and rewarded textile recovery and recycling organisation. UPPAREL gives textiles a new life, provides quality clothes to Australian charities and drives innovative product development. The company philosophy is reuse where possible, then upcycle when necessary to ensure that minimal resources are being used to achieve our goals of circularity.

1. COLLECT

Wetsuits will be collected at authorised reZHIKle dealers and then sent to UPPAREL for processing. Wetsuits must be clean and dry.

2. SORT

The garments will make their way to UPPAREL where the items are sorted to decide if they can be reused, repurposed or recycled

3. REUSE

If the wetsuits are in suitable condition, they will be donated through partner charities for someone else to love or sent to an upcycling partner to turn them into something new.

4. RECYCLE

If the wetsuits are damaged, they will be processed and shredded to create gym flooring, outdoor playground equipment flooring and rubber protective mats.

REZHIKLE LAUNCHES IN NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA

We're excited to announce that reZHIKle is launching in New Zealand & Australia, in partnership with a dedicated group of sailing and water sports stores.
This new group of reZHIKle partners allows water sports enthusiasts to become more environmentally friendly and work to build a more circular product lifecycle.

For customers in New Zealand, head to one of the reZHIKle participating stores to drop off your old or damaged Zhik wetsuit for FREE:

For customers in Australia, head to one of the reZHIKle participating stores to drop off your old or damaged Zhik wetsuit for FREE:

REZHIKLE: ZHIK'S WETSUIT RECYCLING PROGRAM AT HOME

Our customers have the opportunity to participate in this eco-friendly initiative by selecting from two package options. Once the package is purchased through UPPAREL, a seamless and contactless pickup is scheduled via email. As an added incentive for choosing to recycle through our website, customers receive a voucher for online redemption. This means they not only contribute to the planet's well-being but also enjoy the satisfaction of getting their money back while actively participating in sustainable practices.

1. CHOOSE

Our customers can actively contribute to our eco-friendly initiative by selecting a package that suits their needs.

2. EASY PURCHASE

Once the desired package is chosen, customers can conveniently purchase it through UPPAREL. This collaboration ensures a seamless and hassle-free transaction, fostering a commitment to sustainable practices.

3. PICKUP

After the purchase, customers receive an email to schedule a contactless pickup. This step prioritizes safety and convenience, making the entire process efficient and user-friendly.

4. VOUCHER

As a token of appreciation, customers who choose to recycle through our website receive a voucher for online redemption. This means not only contributing to the planet's well-being but also gaining the satisfaction of getting their money back while actively participating in sustainable practices.

"We’re really excited to announce that our technical partner, Zhik is launching a new initiative called, ‘reZHIKle.’ Our old wetsuits will get to live another life, ultimately reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill."

Blair Tuke New Zealand SailGP Team Co-CEO and wing trimmer

To find out more visit - https://upparel.com.au/

FAQ's

Do I need to pay to use the reZHIKle program?

No, it will not cost you anything to recycle you old wetsuit. This is an environmental initiative that we care about, so we bare the cost of the program.

What items can be recycled with reZHIKle?

The reZHIKle program will accept any Zhik wetsuit or sailing skiff suits.

Does it need to be a Zhik wetsuit?

Yes, the reZHIKle program currently only accepts Zhik wetsuits.

Who is UPPAREL?

UPPAREL is leading textile recycling company, along with being Zhik's chosen recyling partner.

How long does it take for a wetsuit to decompose in landfill?

This depends on the type of linings, foam, trims, and other materials used in the wetsuit but can take over 100 years to decompose in landfill.

Are chemicals used during the recycling processs?

There are no chemicals used during the recycling process as this is a mechanical recycling process.

How are the wetsuits recycled?

Wetsuits that can't be upcycled or donated are shredded into small pieces which then mixed with other recycled materials from shoes and rubber items to create gym flooring, outdoor playground equipment flooring and rubber protective mats.

What happens to my wetsuit after I leave it in the reZHIKle box?

1. Once dropped in a reZHIKle bin, your wetsuit is sent to UPPAREL for processing. They are most trusted and rewarded textile recovery and recycling organisation.

Where can I recycle my old wetsuits in New Zealand?

For customers in New Zealand, head to one of the reZHIKle participating stores to drop off your old or damaged Zhik wetsuit for FREE:

AUCKLAND: NZ Sailing, Sail One, Sailors Supplies, Fosters Chandlery / Harken New Zealand, Lucke Apparel

WELLINGTON: Barton Marine

CHRISTCHURCH: Oborn's Nautical

Where can I recycle my old wetsuits in Australia?