Bio Formula

All about our journey to reduce surfing’s environmental impacts.

ALGAE:

In 2018, Arctic Foam started working with three UCSD biochemists to investigate the possibility of duplicating the petroleum molecules in polyols with oil produced by algae. In working with Algenesis, several chemists, and master surf craftsman, we produced a truly "real science" sustainable surfboard made with algae polyols. Feeling charged, we began production on these new algae blanks. Regrettably we encountered a few inconsistencies with these algae blanks, such as softness. Quality of our product is everything, so it was back to the drawing board.

THE NUT:

The inconsistencies in producing our algae blanks provoked more research. That research is what led us to the nutshell polyol. We began development of our blanks with this nutshell polyol dialing in the different catalysts, silicons, etc. After taking several swings at the perfect formula we tested the final product. Magic. The nut polyol foam passed our standards of cell size, flex, strength, shaping, glassing, and most importantly, surfing. Now known as  "Arctic Bio Foam” this nut polyol foam was the first ever "real science" sustainable polyurethane foam for surfboards. 

ONE MORE FIX:

To take our journey one step further there was just one more issue to resolve. In making the nut polyol it is normal to burn the by-product shells. Our solution? Take the shells and press them, get the oil out, and create a sawdust which acts as a great soil amendment to promote healthy plants. We are stoked to say that Arctic Bio Foam is available in all our blank styles and densities!