We have started integrating Yulex as a plant-based alternative to neoprene in our rubber boots. With this initiative, we can:
Maintain the flexibility, insulation, and durability that neoprene typically provides,
Contribute to a potential reduction in CO₂ emissions through our material choice,
Offer a hypoallergenic alternative without compromising on comfort or functionality.
Our ambition is to use Yulex responsibly – focusing on verified benefits in material sourcing and production, while continuing to monitor the environmental and social impact across the entire value chain.
Yulex is a plant-based rubber material made from the sap of the guayule plant (Parthenium argentatum), a drought-resistant shrub that thrives in arid environments and requires minimal agricultural inputs such as water, pesticides, or fertilizers.
The production of Yulex involves:
Harvesting and mechanically extracting latex from the guayule plant,
Purifying the latex to remove impurities and allergens, creating a high-quality, hypoallergenic material,
Processing it into rubber sheets and compounds that can be used in the same way as traditional neoprene.
Unlike neoprene – a fossil-based synthetic rubber with energy-intensive production and often linked to environmental and health concerns – Yulex can reduce CO₂ emissions by around 80% compared to petroleum-based neoprene and similar synthetic materials. Yulex is also free from chlorine and petroleum-based chemicals, minimizing potential toxic byproducts.
It is important to remain transparent: the sustainability of Yulex can also depend on factors such as the energy sources used in production, the use of additives, and how the material is managed at the end of its life cycle.