At NSP we respect the environment and the world we play in. We are constantly looking for new ideas and innovative technologies to reduce the negative impact on our planet as we build surf, foil and SUP boards. We try to adhere to the basic principle that every product produced must have some form of environmentally sustainable component; whether it’s our CocoFlax technology, EPS core, recycled traction pads, bio-friendly resins, and our packaging. Surfing has been around for hundreds of years and we want to see it for another couple thousand.
EPS CORE = SUSTAINABILITY
NSP was the first to incorporate shape molded SecureCell EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) blanks in our surf- and SUP manufacturing process. EPS features small foam balls in a closed cell. EPS has a very high strength to weight ratio that, dependant on the density, offers exceptional compressive and flexural strength and dimensional stability characteristics. It can be moulded or shaped to meet almost any design requirement.
Compared to many custom and other Asian factories who cut their EPS from blocks, creating a high amount of waste and pollutants, NSP has teamed up with Cobra International, to use cuts from shape molded EPS, minimising the offcuts and dust. The result is almost zero foam dust waste. EPS surfboards are the most environmentally sustainable choice.
The EPS offcuts can be treated in two ways… the clean dust is sent back to the supplier to be processed back to beads, which are then mixed with virgin beads to make new EPS blanks. The dust or off-cuts that cannot be used for that purpose is compressed and incinerated at super high heat to generate electricity.
Unlike the main competitive insulation materials, polystyrene is easily recycled. Not only does the EPS Industry recycle factory waste, but also post consumer packaging waste is collected and processed. Recycling saves money, energy and reduces the impact on the environment. EPS is not seen as waste in most European countries but as a valuable resource. EPS is the most easily recycled of all the insulating materials and therefore most easy to align with the “cradle to cradle (C2C)” principle. EPS organisations from more than 25 countries around the world have signed the International Agreement on Recycling.
Every now and then your surfboard breaks and you feel bad putting the board out to the trash – you can use several great resources to locate a board recycling center – have a look here and here or try Waste to Waves.
AWARD-WINNING COCOFLAX CONSTRUCTION = SUSTAINABILITY
NSP CocoMat technology, Paddle Expo Product of the Year, is the world’s first and only Patent Pending construction that uses natural fibers from coconut husks to create a light and strong micro sandwich.
Another industry leading innovation by NSP is the use of water based dye pigments in our CocoMat construction. These dyes use zero percent solvents or other toxic additives.
In keeping with our pledge to pursue sustainable materials and manufacturing, NSP introduced Flax Fiber Rail technology to the CocoMat series in 2019; resulting in the CocoFlax range. So an already eco-friendly product now benefits from highly durable reinforced fiber, made from the flax seed plant, and helps NSP reducing the use of fiberglass and the overall carbon footprint of the production process.
Cocomat and CocoFlax technology in the NSP line-up
The current boards use Cocomat and/or Cocoflax technology in their construction, creating a product that is high-performance, durable and a friendly nod to mother nature and generations to come:
REPURPOSED EVA TRACTION PADS = SUSTAINABILITY
Whether you are foiling, surfing or paddling – at a certain performance level traction pads become essential. The added grip inspires confidence and allows for more radical moves. And speaking of radical, we are proud to announce that these repurposed EVA pads have the lowest carbon footprint in the entire NSP product line-up.
Packaging:
With absolutely no plastic in the packaging, just flax fibres and recycled paper, the product itself is made from 95% repurposed EVA off-cut, straight from the factory floor.
BIO-BASED RESINS = SUSTAINABILITY
Paddles by NSP are built with bio-based resins by Entropy Resins, a supplier that chooses to share their Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data with us. By evaluating the environmental impact of their products, our supplier makes sure they back up sustainability claims with hard data.
Entropy doesn’t grow plants and turns them into epoxy – their bio-based raw materials used to create epoxy resins and hardeners are sourced as co-products or waste products of other industrially important processes.
One-piece paddles with bio-based resins
Adjustable paddles with bio-based resins
BIO-DEGRADABLE PACKAGING = SUSTAINABILITY
NSP has always wanted to create a greener product packaging, eliminating the plastic and other harmful side products that have little to do with watersports. We joined Cobra International to find a solution that not only protects your board from dust, debris and scratches during transport, but also degrades once you unpack your product and dispose of the packaging materials. Take that landfills!
We have a combination of unlaminated kraft paper wrap and tissue paper that we use to package boards. And although we are dedicated to be 100% sustainable in our packaging, we are currently still trying to find the perfect solution for our PU boards:
Sustainability wanted
We have yet to find a material that keeps the boards protected without scratching or damaging the clear coat- if you have any suggestions, please contact our product team to discuss.
We are also closely working together with our suppliers to get them on board with our sustainability initiatives and they support us by packing each inflatable board with paper instead of more plastic.
And we are always open to hear how we can become better for the planet – let us know what you think.