Diving fins made from recycled plastic and compostable packaging

Siri Schubert

13.3.2024

Translation: machine translated

Divers are directly aware of the plastic pollution in the oceans. Fourth Element, a manufacturer of diving equipment, wants to counteract this and offers fins made from 97 per cent recycled plastic.

Gliding down through deep blue water into the depths and experiencing the unspoilt underwater world - that is the dream of many divers. The reality is often different, as I can confirm from my experience as a member of Abfalltaucher Schweiz. Plastic waste can be found in many lakes, seas and rivers.

In order to make at least a small article to protect the oceans, Fourth Element, a manufacturer of diving clothing, is involved in various marine conservation projects. These include the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI), which collects fishing nets discarded in the sea. These nets can seriously injure or kill marine animals such as dolphins, turtles and fish if they become entangled in them.

First diving fins made almost entirely from recycled plastic

Fourth Element also wants to reduce the ecological footprint of its products. According to the company, it was the first to produce diving fins made almost entirely from recycled plastic. The fins have no product packaging, but are held together with a strap. Fourth Element was nominated for an award for this project at the international boat show "Boot" in Düsseldorf.

"We have to make an effort to change things and protect the ecosystem," Jim Standing, one of the two directors of Fourth Element, tells me at "Boot". The fins in the classic four-channel design with side stiffening ribs, which is considered efficient for scuba diving, were an obvious candidate for recycled plastic. "I actually wonder why all suppliers don't do it this way," he says, before giving the answer himself: "It's more expensive to produce and not so easy to implement, at least initially." Nevertheless, the keen diver and open water swimmer wants to continue his commitment and is looking for ways to further reduce plastic consumption.

Packaging that dissolves in hot water

Around half of Fourth Element's products are now made from recycled plastic. In addition to fins, this also includes shirts, bikinis and swim shorts as well as leisure wear. Fourth Element uses a neoprene-free material made from recycled raw materials for diving suits. Fourth Element's fins for technical diving are made from natural rubber and are also recyclable.

Many Fourth Element products no longer have individual packaging. If it is necessary, the company uses a material that is reusable, recyclable, compostable and biodegradable. The special feature: According to the manufacturer, you can even dissolve the packaging in water heated to at least 70 degrees without any harmful residues or microplastics. The material, a polymer called polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), also disintegrates in colder water. What remains is CO2 and trace elements, similar to the decomposition of cellulose or proteins. The manufacturers have even paid attention to environmental compatibility in the labelling: The ink is also suitable for food and is therefore harmless when composted or when decomposing in water.

We do not currently have Fourth Element in our range. If this changes, you will of course hear from me immediately.

Siri Schubert

Senior Editor

Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.ch

Research diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.

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