Partner Spotlight: Where Sport Meets Sustainability: Arena and the Power of Water

Arena’s sustainability journey shows that when you love water, protecting it becomes second nature.

In this edition of our Partner Spotlight series, we’re proud to feature Arena, the global swimwear brand whose commitment to ocean protection has taken shape through impactful collaborations, athlete involvement, and hands-on initiatives around the world.

Our partnership with Arena has grown steadily over the years and taken shape across continents. In the last two years, we’ve worked together on numerous projects that included underwater and surface cleanups, educational events in schools, and meaningful collaborations with Arena’s athlete ambassadors, who are not only champions in the water but also advocates for the sea.

Sustainability is not a side initiative for Arena—it’s a core value. As a “Società Benefit”, commonly known as Benefit Corporation, Arena embraces water not only as a performance element, but as a source of life. Their Community Impact Plan, anchored around the pillars LEARN, LOVE, PROTECT water, reflects a deep sense of environmental commitment.

We spoke to Cristina Di Tomasso, Arena’s CSR & Sustainability Manager to explore their personal connection to the ocean, the evolution of their sustainability journey, and the role of collaboration in driving real change.

Q&A with Cristina Di Tomasso Arena’s CSR & Sustainability Manager

Tell us briefly about your organisation.

Arena is a global swimwear brand committed to performance, innovation, and sustainability. With over 50 years of experience in aquatic sports, we serve both elite athletes and everyday swimmers. As a Benefit Corporation, we embed environmental and social goals into our business strategy, aiming to generate positive impact for people, communities, customers, and the environment.

What does the ocean mean to you personally?

The ocean represents balance, resilience, and life. It is a source of peace and wonder for me. Every time I’m near the sea, I feel connected to something greater than myself.

Earth or Mars?

Earth, without question. Rather than dreaming of escaping to Mars, we should focus on protecting the incredible planet we already have. Sustainability is not about running away — it’s about taking responsibility here and now.

Which is your favourite place on Earth? And why?

Italy in general. Not just because I was born and raised here, but because even its shape is special. It’s a boot—rich in natural, historical, cultural, and gastronomic resources. It’s fragile, like our Earth, and floods, earthquakes, heavy rains, and other natural disasters remind us that, just like our planet, we need to protect it—because we don’t have a planet B.

What is one small habit everyone can adopt to help reduce ocean pollution?

The ocean isn’t a black hole where waste vanishes forever. It starts from your street, your sink, your storm drain. What you throw away can always find its way back. Saying no to single-use plastics might seem small—but it’s powerful.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about marine pollution?

How invisible it can be. We often picture floating plastic bottles, but microplastics and abandoned fishing gear are much harder to see — yet far more pervasive and dangerous.

What’s the most memorable thing you have experienced with/thanks to Healthy Seas?

I remember the mission in Croatia for the 10th anniversary of Healthy Seas. I was deeply impressed by the volunteers—carrying heavy and bulky equipment, all driven by a greater shared purpose: removing fishing nets from the sea. Watching them work was truly inspiring. And witnessing first-hand the transformation of ghost nets into new, high-quality products was powerful. It’s amazing to see waste being turned into value—especially when it promotes circularity and contributes to cleaner seas.

If you could send one message to the world about ocean conservation, what would it be?

Protecting the ocean is not a choice — it’s a necessity. Our planet is called the Blue Planet because over 70% of its surface is covered by water. So protecting the ocean means protecting our planet — and our own lives.

Can you share a moment when you felt truly hopeful about the future of our oceans?

During a school event, I saw how engaged and curious the children were. Their questions, ideas, and passion gave me real hope that the next generation will take better care of our oceans.

What’s the most incredible transformation you’ve seen as a result of ocean cleanup efforts?

The shift from awareness to action. I’ve seen communities and brands move beyond talking about ocean pollution — and start taking real responsibility. There’s still much to be done — but every step forward counts.

How has your work with Healthy Seas changed your perspective on sustainability?

Partnering with Healthy Seas has shown me how collaboration across industries can create real, systemic impact — beyond what any of us could do alone.

If you could solve one ocean-related issue instantly, what would it be?

The disconnection between people and the ocean. Many still see the ocean as something distant. If we could restore that emotional bond, we’d inspire more people to protect it — not out of fear, but out of love and responsibility.

How do you see your industry evolving to support ocean sustainability in the next decade?

At Arena, we are deeply connected to water — it’s our element, part of our DNA. That’s why we created the Community Impact Plan, built around three strategic pillars: LEARN, LOVE, and PROTECT water. We love water, especially the oceans, where body and mind can truly thrive. And when you love something, you want to protect it. That’s exactly what we do — as a brand and as part of the wider water community.

What’s one thing you’d love to do with Healthy Seas in the future?

I’d love to co-design a project that links product innovation with ocean protection — something that combines education, design and action. For example, involving young swimmers and designers in creating new sustainable gear made from recovered fishing nets, turning awareness into creativity and impact.

What is your favourite marine animal and why?

The dolphin. It’s smart, fast, social, and deeply connected to its environment — but also curious, always exploring. I see it as a symbol of balance between rootedness and movement, which resonates with how I approach my work and life.

Arena x Healthy Seas: Where Sport Meets Sustainability

From co-organizing international cleanup missions to involving elite athletes and school children alike, Arena and Healthy Seas are building a partnership rooted in purpose. Arena’s dedication to water—as a source of life, performance, and inspiration—makes them a natural ally in our mission to protect the ocean from pollution and transform waste into value.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to keep turning shared values into real-world impact—across beaches, oceans, and communities worldwide.

👉 Want more inspiration?
Explore other Partner Spotlights featuring Hyundai, Friedmans, Aquafil, DWS, GAMOMAT, and Bracenet.