ECONYL Surf Suits, Reef-Safe Standards, and Industry Norms: In Conversation with Manon Erne

“Using recycled and sustainable resources shouldn’t be a unique selling point – it should be the industry norm.” – Manon Erne

Born out of a deep love for the sea, SunDaze is an eco-conscious surfwear brand dedicated to keeping marine ecosystems clean and thriving. Founded by Manon Erne, SunDaze transforms ocean pollution into high-performance surf suits made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon.

We sat down with Manon to discuss removing discarded fishing nets from our waters, establishing non-negotiable sustainability standards for surf gear, and driving real change across the industry.

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Snapshot Profile

• Name: Manon Erne
• Role: Founder & Creative Director at SunDaze
• Specialism: Sustainable Surfwear, ECONYL® Regenerated Fabrics, & Ocean Stewardship
• Core Material: ECONYL® made from recycled ghost fishing nets and post-consumer nylon waste

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The Interview

Why is conserving and protecting the ocean so personal to you and SunDaze?

Manon: We firmly believe in protecting what we love, and the oceans hold a truly special place in our hearts.

Taking direct action to preserve marine ecosystems ensures that future generations will be able to experience the beauty, majesty, and wonder of the sea just as we have.

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How is SunDaze embedding sustainability into everyday choices?

Manon: For us, sustainability isn’t a passing trend – it’s how we operate every day:

• ECONYL® Surf Suits: Our surf suits are crafted using ECONYL®, a fabric created from recovered ghost fishing nets and ocean plastic waste. This directly supports ocean cleanup efforts while reducing virgin plastic production.
• Reef-Safe Protection: We exclusively use reef-safe products in the water to prevent toxic sunscreen chemicals from bleaching delicate coral ecosystems.
• Reducing Waste: We eliminate single-use plastics wherever possible across our supply chain, support ocean charities, and use our platforms to educate others on marine health.

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What does the surfing industry specifically need to do better?

Manon: Using recycled and sustainable resources should no longer be treated as a unique marketing angle or a ‘selling point’ – it needs to become the standard industry norm.

Beyond material choices, the surf industry must make reef-safe products the baseline expectation, fund verified ocean research and conservation charities, and leverage social media channels to educate audiences on ocean protection.

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Manon’s Recommended Brands & Inspiration

Inspiring Brands & Organizations

• Patagonia: A perpetual benchmark for environmental responsibility and corporate accountability.
• Drifter (Bali): An inspiring space and organization promoting environmental conservation through river cleanups, community fundraising, and local ocean initiatives. We are immensely proud to stock our collection in their store.

Recommended Reading

• Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard: An essential read for anyone interested in building a business driven by environmental values.

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Final Thought

Manon: “Protect what you love. When we unite as surfers and brand builders to demand better standards, we ensure that the oceans we adore remain pristine for generations to come.”