How eyewear used to hurt the environment
Many eyewear companies are making strides to reduce waste and pollution. Innovative materials from recycled ocean plastic and bamboo are being used to make frames. And traditional frame materials now have bio-based or recycled alternatives. Companies are also developing to recycle packaging and old frames.
These initiatives are revolutionizing the traditional manufacturing process of eye care products. In the past, the production of eyeglasses and contact lenses consumed significant energy and resources, which led to:
- Plastic waste – Traditional eyewear manufacturing, packaging and distribution used a lot of plastic. Even eyeglass cases were often made with plastic, which was hard to recycle.
- Energy-heavy factories – Making lenses and frames often required energy-intensive equipment and factory processes.
- Pollution – Chemicals used in manufacturing could harm ecosystems without proper disposal.
- Landfills – Millions of glasses and contact lenses were thrown away, adding to landfill waste. Many of the plastics used in older eyewear didn't break down easily.
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What makes eyewear sustainable today
Fortunately, many companies are prioritizing responsible eyewear. There have been great advances in how eyewear is manufactured and disposed of.
Greener materials
Companies are adopting new materials and strategies to overcome past challenges. This restructuring helps them reduce the amount of waste in landfills and oceans. Some of the alternative materials being used include:
Recycled plastic
Instead of always using new plastics, some companies are choosing recycled plastic. For example, the Untangled Collection from Costa is made with 97% to 100% recycled fishing nets. Another company, Sea2see, makes eyewear using recycled marine plastic. Several companies use recycled plastic bottles to make eyeglass frames and cases.
Eyewear brand Arnette launched a Capsule Collection using 95% recycled plastic. This was done by recycling plastic scraps from the manufacturing process and using them to make new frames.
Bamboo
Companies are exploring bamboo as an alternative frame material. It's a fast-growing resource, which makes it a more responsible choice than some traditional materials.
Bio-acetate
Acetate is already a common material for frames. There is now a movement toward bio-acetate, which is made with renewable sources instead of fossil-based materials. Frames from Arnette’s Bio-Acetate Collection are made using a combination of cellulose acetate and bio-based plasticizer. Arnette bio-acetate has a bio-based carbon content ranging from 54% to 67%.
Cleaner production
Production processes also play an important role. Numerous companies are committing to using solar or wind power in their operations.
Cleaner production also means reducing waste. A considerable amount of material is discarded in the traditional production of eyeglasses. Companies are now looking for ways to use materials more efficiently. They are also minimizing the amount of scrap produced.
Smarter ways to extend product life
Strategies to extend how long eyeglasses last are also being adopted. Designing eyewear to be more durable means that people won't need to replace it as often. Repair services, like those offered at some Ray-Ban stores, are now available to help frames last longer.
Recycling programs are also on the rise. Several companies offer ways for customers to donate their old glasses. This allows them to be reused or properly disposed of. Eye care companies also offer recycling programs for used lenses and their packaging.
Real ways it’s helping the Earth
Responsible initiatives and alternative materials are having a positive impact. The trend toward using bio-based and recycled materials is gaining momentum in the eyewear industry. This means that some eyeglasses parts and packaging materials are designed to break down under certain circumstances. For example, Eco Eyewear uses transport bags made from 100% cornstarch.
Eyewear companies are lessening their environmental impact. They are using less energy and creating less waste. This results in:
- Less trash – Millions of frames and lenses that would have ended up in landfills can be reused or recycled.
- Cleaner air – Lower emissions from factories improve overall air quality.
Eco Eyewear’s “One Frame, One Tree” tree planting initiative directly helps the planet. For each Eco frame purchased, the company plants a tree. As the trees grow, they capture carbon dioxide and improve the surrounding ecosystem.
Another example is EssilorLuxottica’s Eyes on Circularity initiative. To achieve this, the company is encouraging its brands, including Ray-Ban and Costa Del Mar, to use more bio-based and recycled materials. It is also taking steps to reduce packaging waste. It is also taking steps to reduce packaging waste and increase its use of wind energy for electricity.
Why sustainable eyewear feels good
You can use your eyewear to reflect your values and create positive change. It can feel good to choose responsible eyewear because:
- It looks great – You can be both stylish and eco-friendly. Fashionable eyewear is increasingly made with alternative materials.
- It helps out – Responsible eyewear can shine a light on fair jobs and labor practices. It can also highlight the ethical sourcing of materials.
- It works well – Eyewear that is responsibly manufactured works just as well as other eyewear. You get the same clear vision and help the planet, too.
How you can jump in
Making responsible eyewear choices is easier than you think. There are several simple ways to make a difference:
- Try it – Try brands that prioritize responsible practices, such as DbyD, Sunski and Hoffmann Natural Eyewear.
- Keep it going – Continue the cycle by responsibly recycling or disposing of your old glasses. Consider recycling or donating old eyeglasses rather than throwing them in the trash.
- Spread the news – Tell your friends about eco-friendly eyewear options. Share how eyeglasses can be recycled, reused and repaired. By extending the lifespan of your frames, you can help minimize landfill waste.
Save the planet one pair at a time. You're not just protecting your eyesight — you're also protecting the Earth.
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