We are proud to sell the products of Fourth Element, a supplier who makes a formidable effort to make the production of high-quality products as gentle as possible, as well as providing financial support to important organizations that make an effort for our oceans.
Here we briefly present Fourth Element's history and goals for the simultaneous and future production of clothing and equipment, and support for environmental organisations.
History
A conversation after a dive in Egypt in 1999, ended with a commitment to design high-quality clothing and equipment with a simple, diving-oriented style, and with people and the environment in focus.
The technical selection is based on the principles of performance, innovation and function. Using the latest fabric technology in unique combinations and designs, the Fourth Element Technical range revolutionizes thermal protection to keep you warmer for longer.
Fourth Element is aware of the many and complex environmental problems they face as a business. From compostable packaging to recycled swimwear and supporting various environmental organizations, they believe in doing everything they can to preserve our oceans for the future.
Vision
To be the leading global diving and marine sports brand, shaped by passion for the sea and driven by innovation, in pursuit of a sustainable future.
Assignment
To expand the brand by creating innovative, high-performance products for divers, freedivers and ocean advocates, expanding our presence worldwide, providing exceptional service and considering the environment every step of the way.
Values
People and relationships: Fourth Element values people, relationships and collaboration. They strive to be welcoming, genuine and supportive.
Achievement and Contribution: Fourth Element recognizes individual contributions and celebrates success throughout the Fourth Element community.
Authenticity: Fourth Element has a quiet confidence; they spend time creating thoughtful products for the right reasons, pushing boundaries and learning from feedback.
HOW TO BE
Since the start, Fourth Element has developed methods and production in step with development. Nevertheless, one must recognize that there is still a long way to go.
An estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic waste enters the sea every year. On top of this, we face a global threat from escalating carbon emissions resulting in rising sea levels with devastating effects on both humans and wildlife.
With action there is hope.
Being "OceanPositive" stems not only from what we do in the ocean, but also what we do in everyday life. From the garments produced, to the packaging they are in and the projects Fourth Element supports along the way, they do what they can to ensure a more sustainable business that is the best possible for the ocean.
In 2021, Fourth Element renewed its ambitions with new ideas about what the next decade will bring, these are some of the new thoughts and ideas:
Becoming Zero Plastic
The aim is to completely eliminate plastic packaging. As of now, at least 45% of the products must be produced from a minimum of 30% recycled materials such as plastic bottles and ghost nets
By 2030, the aim is for 90% of products to be made from at least 30% recycled materials.
Becoming Zero Waste
Producing products that last and withstand rough use is essential to avoid discarding and use. During production, waste is created, but this is minimized by cutting patterns efficiently, ordering from smaller suppliers and recycling waste which, among other things, becomes face masks and neck supports.
During the next five years, more opportunities will be created for reusing, repairing or recycling the products.
Becoming Zero Carbon
Fourth Element headquarters runs on 60% electricity from solar panels which account for 54% of total energy consumption. They use local suppliers where possible, and transport goods by sea instead of air. Several in the team work remotely to avoid unnecessary transport.
By 2030, the ambition is to become carbon neutral by reducing the carbon footprint for the entire operation and transport and to compensate for the rest by supporting the growth and restoration of, among other things, sea grass, kelp and mangroves, which ensure a lot of carbon storage.
Read about Fourth Element's environmental measures
Becoming Zero Impact
Fourth Element provides financial support to several ocean-based charities, including the Olive Ridley Project , Ghost Diving, Coral Restoration Foundation , World Animal Protection, Global Ghost Gear Initiative , Reef World Foundation and Bite-Back .
Fourth Element works closely with organizations such as the National Parks Service Submerged Resources team , the Ocean Agency, and several others. They helped finance one of the earliest documentaries on the problems of plastic pollution; A plastic ocean.
Fourth Element focuses on supporting more projects that directly protect endangered species and help ocean ecosystems regenerate, moving closer to reversing the damage of human impact. We will also support projects that aim to create future leadership and ocean champions through educational programs in the UK and other countries.
Read about the projects Fourth Element supports.
What is an OceanPositive product?
The OceanPositive term requires the product to meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Made from at least 30% recycled materials (but in most cases it's much more, for example our swimwear)
• Comes from a certified sustainable source (like our Yulex natural rubber suit)
• Is a tool to reduce plastic pollution (like our reusable Gulper bottles)
Why are the goals of Fourth Element zero?
Unfortunately, it is not realistic to produce high-performance products only from recycled materials, and production will never be without a certain amount of waste and environmental impact when it comes to transport. Fourth Element does not say that no plastic or carbon will be produced after 2030.
The realistic goal is a balance between the negative and positive impacts involved in producing the products, and reach a net zero result in plastic use, waste and carbon emissions. The goals set out above are the steps to get to the point where the products you buy have an overall zero impact on the environment.
Creating something of value: Fourth Element focuses on innovation and creating great experiences.
Environmental legacy: Fourth Element strives to minimize its environmental impact every step of the way to a more sustainable future.