Henderson Greenprene — Sustainable Warmth Without Compromise
Greenprene is Henderson's answer to a question the diving industry hadn't seriously asked: can a wetsuit be genuinely sustainable without giving up warmth, stretch, or durability? Rather than petroleum-derived neoprene, Greenprene is formulated from deproteinized natural insulating foam combined with sugar cane, plant oils, and oyster shells — a bio-based foam that's ultra-soft, exceptionally stretchy, durable, and notably lighter in weight than traditional neoprene constructions.
The sustainability commitment runs through the whole product, not just the core foam. The exterior fabric laminates are built from recycled materials: AQUA-SILK is woven from recycled water bottles (88% recycled polyester, 12% spandex), tested AZO-free and Oeko-Tex certified, and selected for durability, abrasion resistance, hook-and-loop resistance, and fast drying. BIO-SPAN, also manufactured from recycled water bottles, is selected for superior comfort, warmth, and stretch. Even the packaging follows through — Greenprene suits ship in recycled cardboard boxes, hand-wrapped in recycled paper, with recycled cardboard cores to prevent compression creases in storage, and hangtags printed with soy-based inks on recycled paper.
At DiveCatalog.com, we carry the current Henderson Greenprene lineup: fullsuits, shortys, hooded vests, hoods, and gloves for men and women. DiveCatalog.com is an authorized Henderson dealer.
The Greenprene Range
Fullsuits — 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm
Greenprene fullsuits are available in 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm thicknesses for both men and women, covering everything from warm tropical diving through cold-temperate conditions. Because Greenprene's foam structure is lighter and more flexible than standard neoprene at equivalent thickness, divers often find Greenprene suits feel less restrictive than a comparably-rated neoprene suit — a meaningful difference on long dives or repetitive daily diving.
Shortys — Men's and Women's
The Greenprene shorty trims sleeve and leg length for warmer-water diving or as a layering piece, while retaining the same sustainable foam and recycled fabric laminate construction as the fullsuits.
Hooded Vests — 5/3mm
The Greenprene hooded vest (5/3mm) is a layering piece that adds core and head warmth under a full wetsuit, or works as a standalone garment for warmer conditions. Available for men and women.
Hoods — 3/2mm
Standalone Greenprene hoods provide head and neck warmth, an important consideration since a meaningful share of body heat loss happens through the head — particularly relevant for cold-water and deep dives where surface time exposes you to wind chill between dives.
Gloves — 3mm and 5mm
Greenprene gloves are available in 3mm and 5mm thicknesses, offering dexterity and grip while extending Greenprene's lighter, stretchier feel to hand protection — useful for divers managing gauges, cameras, or other gear that benefits from finer hand control than thicker neoprene gloves allow.
Is Greenprene Right for You?
| Diver Priority | Why Greenprene Fits |
|---|---|
| Environmental impact | Neoprene-free bio-based foam; recycled fabric laminates; sustainable packaging end to end |
| Neoprene sensitivity or allergy concerns | Neoprene-free construction may be a workable alternative — patch test recommended to confirm |
| Maximum flexibility and reduced fatigue | Lighter weight and greater stretch than standard neoprene at the same thickness |
| Frequent or daily diving | Durable construction designed to hold up to repeated use over a long product life |
Why Buy Henderson Greenprene from DiveCatalog.com?
- Authorized Henderson dealer — genuine products, full manufacturer warranty
- Full Greenprene range — fullsuits, shortys, hooded vests, hoods, and gloves
- Expert sizing advice — our team can help you choose the right fit and thickness
- Fast shipping — in-stock items ship within one business day
- Rewards program — earn points on every purchase
Frequently Asked Questions — Henderson Greenprene
What is Greenprene made of?
Greenprene is a deproteinized natural insulating foam formulated with additives including sugar cane, plant oils, and oyster shells — a bio-based alternative to traditional petroleum-derived neoprene. The exterior fabric laminates (AQUA-SILK and BIO-SPAN) are made from recycled water bottles.
Is Greenprene as warm as standard neoprene?
Yes — Greenprene is designed to match or exceed the thermal performance of standard neoprene at equivalent thickness, while being notably lighter in weight and offering greater stretch.
Can Greenprene help with neoprene allergies?
Possibly. Since Greenprene contains no traditional neoprene, divers who react to standard neoprene wetsuits may find it a workable alternative. Allergic reactions can stem from various materials in wetsuit construction, so Henderson recommends consulting a doctor and doing a patch test before committing to a full suit — contact your Henderson dealer for a sample wrist cuff to test first.
How does Greenprene's sustainability claim hold up?
The core foam avoids petroleum-derived neoprene in favor of bio-based natural materials. The exterior fabrics are made from recycled water bottles and are AZO-free, Oeko-Tex certified. Packaging uses recycled cardboard and paper with soy-based inks — the sustainability commitment extends through the full product lifecycle, not just the wetsuit material itself.
Browse the full Henderson Greenprene collection above and reach out if you'd like help choosing the right suit and thickness for your diving conditions.
