The first half of 2025 is dedicated to conducting tests on cork, evaluating its properties and making a direct comparison with the results obtained in the previous phase. The work is carried out in an industrial setting, based on technical assumptions derived from the knowledge accumulated in previous phases, whilst maintaining a structured validation approach. Moulding and compression tests are carried out using different densities and percentages of cork, and hybrid mixture

After more than two years of research and testing using waste materials from wetsuits and flip-flops, the technical development of the project has led to a joint review of the weight, density and functional performance of the components produced. Although the results obtained with the two-layer structure indicate the viability of the concept and the process, the total mass of the parts remains too high for practical use on NOMADS Surfing boards. During the technical meetings

The year 2024 marks a phase of technical consolidation for the project and the start of pre-validation in an industrial setting. Following the stabilisation of the moulding parameters, development proceeds with the creation of a two-layer structure, combining materials from different sources – derived from neoprene wetsuits and rubber flip-flops – with the aim of optimising the grip, flexibility and strength of the parts. Between March and April 2024, three new industrial tes

During the second half of 2023, the focus is on optimising the industrial process and validating the parts at pilot scale. The first trials with the final mould highlight the need to apply a Teflon coating, due to excessive adhesion to the aluminium of its construction. Following the introduction of this solution, tests with FP855 resin show improvements in terms of compaction, surface homogeneity and impact resistance. Between September and December, six industrial tests wer

Following the definition of the concept and technical objectives, the project enters a phase of intensive testing in both laboratory and industrial settings. The first compression moulding tests are carried out, based on the recovery of waste from neoprene wetsuits and beach flip-flops. This stage seeks to identify processing parameters – density, resin percentage, temperatures and cycle times – with a view to producing functional prototypes of the PAD. Various resin formulat

Following initial discussions with NOMADS SURFING, it was agreed that JCConsulting would lead the project, involving the technical partners deemed suitable for carrying out the tests and production work to be undertaken, always in direct consultation with the brand. In the initial phase, the work is structured within a laboratory and industrial context, including the collection and characterisation of waste, as well as the analysis of its compatibility with existing transform

The CIRCLE SURF project arose from a challenge set by the French company NOMADS SURFING, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of its activities and finding ways to repurpose waste from the surfing world – specifically wetsuits and beach flip-flops. These materials, which are difficult to recycle, prompted the exploration of alternatives that would allow their reintegration into applications directly linked to surfing and the marine environment. In this context, t