In recent years, Fourth Element has been steadfastly working towards the complete elimination of single-use plastic from their packaging. While the initial progress toward this goal faced challenges during the pandemic, the company has made a robust recovery.

Presently, Fourth Element proudly identifies 45% of their products as crafted from a minimum of 30% recycled materials, sourced from items like plastic bottles, old carpets, and discarded fishing nets. Looking ahead to 2030, the company aspires to create a net positive impact. By then, the goal is to ensure that a remarkable 90% of their products are crafted from at least 30% regenerated materials, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability over the use of virgin materials.

Fourth Element products are meticulously designed to endure the rigors of adventures, boasting a quality that guarantees a long lifespan. This commitment to durability aligns seamlessly with our sustainability strategy – some of our products have weathered thousands of dives and continue to thrive after many years.

Recognizing that waste can be generated at various points in a product's lifecycle, we take proactive measures to minimize it. We prioritize ordering from smaller suppliers, reducing waste production. Additionally, our cutting patterns are optimized to be as efficient as possible, keeping waste to a minimum. To address the waste produced during production, we recycle scraps from our wetsuits at the source, ensuring a zero-waste approach.

Innovatively, we repurpose leftover fabric from our rashguards and swimwear, transforming them into practical items such as face masks and neck buffs. Looking forward, our commitment extends to reducing waste at the end of our products' lives. Over the next five years, Fourth Element will introduce various schemes to facilitate the re-purposing, repairing, or recycling of 100% of our products.

At Fourth Element headquarters, 60% of our electricity is generated through solar panels, constituting 54% of our total energy consumption on site. We prioritize local sourcing and opt for sea shipping whenever feasible, minimizing our reliance on air transport. Additionally, we encourage our team to work remotely at times to reduce the carbon footprint associated with daily commuting.

Looking ahead to 2030, Fourth Element aspires to achieve carbon neutrality. This ambitious goal involves not only reducing the carbon footprint of our entire operation and transportation but also offsetting the remaining emissions. We plan to achieve this by actively supporting the growth and restoration of major ocean carbon sinks, including sea grass, kelp, and mangroves.

Fourth Element holds a special place in their hearts for a range of ocean-based charities and projects, providing essential support through funding or equipment to help them achieve their noble objectives. Notable organizations in their roster include the Olive Ridley Project, Ghost Diving, Coral Restoration Foundation, Global Ghost Gear Initiative, Reef Renewal Foundation, and Bite-Back. In collaboration with kindred spirits, Fourth Element actively partners with entities such as the National Parks Service Submerged Resources team, the Ocean Agency, and others who share a passion for marine conservation.

The commitment of Fourth Element goes beyond financial aid; they played a pivotal role in financing one of the earliest documentaries addressing the challenges of plastic pollution, "A Plastic Ocean." Presently, their focus is on bolstering projects directly dedicated to protecting endangered species and fostering the regeneration of our ocean ecosystems. This strategic approach aims to move closer to reversing the detrimental impact of human activities.

Furthermore, Fourth Element extends its support to initiatives geared towards shaping the leaders and advocates of tomorrow through educational programs, both in the UK and beyond.