USDA Certified with 82% Bio Based Content
Crafted from renewable materials like FSC certified natural rubber, oyster shell powder, and plant-based oil, OCENA® rubber is the most sustainable alternative to synthetic rubber. Leveraging over 40 years of SHEICO's expertise in rubber foaming technology, OCENA® maintains superior elasticity and durability while enhancing its bio-based content.
Natural rubber comes from the sap of rubber trees, which are a renewable resource. These trees can be tapped for latex multiple times without causing harm, making natural rubber a sustainable material choice.
Unlike synthetic rubber, which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, natural rubber is biodegradable. This means that products made from natural rubber will break down over time, reducing their impact on landfills and ecosystems. The production of natural rubber generally has a lower carbon footprint compared to synthetic rubber. Rubber trees help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change.
Natural rubber is free from harmful chemicals and additives commonly found in synthetic rubber. Up to 99% of impurities that cause latex allergies have been removed during production, ensuring a hypoallergenic product that provides superior safety and comfort for users.
Many natural rubber plantations are located in rural areas of developing countries. Choosing products made from natural rubber can support these communities by providing employment opportunities and contributing to local economies.
In the past, obtaining calcium carbonate meant mountain excavation. Today, OCENA® is revolutionizing the industry by transforming up to 1.6 million tons of oyster waste annually into a potent environmental solution.
Through OCENA®'s innovative process, oyster shell powder is incorporated, turning discarded shells into bio-calcium oxide powder. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also combats environmental pollution.
In Thailand alone, over 600 thousand tons of tires are discarded annually. To champion environmental protection and sustainable development, SHEICO Group introduced ECO Infinic in 2017, dedicated to repurposing scrapped tires into eco-friendly products like ECO Carbon Black.
ECO Carbon Black stands as a pivotal component of OCENA®. Infused into its production, it not only lends a deep black hue to the rubber but also enhances its ozone resistance. This innovation translates to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, slashing energy consumption by 200g per wetsuit compared to traditional petroleum-based carbon black suits, resulting in a staggering 90% emission reduction.
Tons of scarp car tires to be recycled
Shredded tires that can be turned into carbon black
ECO carbon black made from scarp tires
In the past, solvent-based glue was typically used in neoprene lamination. However, these glues could contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To mitigate this risk and prioritize user health, OCENA® has transitioned entirely to using water-based glue, AQUA α ®, thereby reducing exposure to VOCs during production.
Derived from meticulously managed plantations, OCENA® natural rubber sets a new standard for quality and performance. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, OCENA® minimizes its ecological impact while maximizing functionality. With comparable performance to traditional neoprene rubber, OCENA® offers exceptional elasticity, durability, and resistance to abrasion.
Crafted with the needs of athletes and adventurers in mind, OCENA® is the ideal choice for wetsuits, boots, shoes, gloves, and a wide range of accessories tailored for surface and underwater sports. Dive into unparalleled performance with OCENA®.
FSC(Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. SHEICO is FSC Chain-of-Custody (COC) certified which traces the path of products from forests through the supply chain, verifying that FSC-certified material is identified or kept separated from non-certified material throughout the chain.
OCENA® has obtained certification from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a biomass content reaching 82%. USDA certification signifies that OCENA® is produced using environmentally friendly and sustainable production methods. It also indicates compliance with strict standards for animal welfare and biodiversity conservation, contributing to the overall health of ecosystems. SHEICO actively promotes product sustainability certification and has obtained USDA certification for natural rubber, highlighting the company's commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.