Why plastic waste in eyewear is a big problem
Plastic waste in eyewear is a growing concern across the globe. In North America alone, over 4 million pairs of reading glasses are discarded annually. Many of these glasses are made with nonbiodegradable materials, adding around 250 metric tons of plastic waste to landfills each year.
Worldwide, nearly 91% of plastic waste does not get recycled. Much of it ends up in oceans, waterways or landfills, where it accumulates and doesn’t break down. This impacts several aspects of the environment, including:
- Air quality – Plastic waste is often burned to remove it from landfills. This releases toxic gases into the air, leading to pollution and other air quality concerns.
- Soil quality – Plastics contaminate soil through sewage sludge, waste disposal and other pathways. This can lower the soil’s ability to support healthy plant growth.
- Ocean health – Plastic in the ocean sometimes collects to form large masses of garbage. These “garbage patches” can impact marine habitats.
- Wildlife – Many animals suffer injury or death after ingesting or getting caught in plastic debris.
In response to this problem, many eyewear manufacturers are reducing their plastic use and turning toward eco-friendly options. Choosing eyewear made with bio-based, recycled or other responsibly sourced materials can help protect the planet while meeting your vision needs.
How frames are going green
To lessen their environmental impact, some eyewear companies make frames with sustainable methods. These eco-friendly frames match the quality and look of traditionally made eyewear. Some of these alternative options include the use of:
Recycled frame materials
The following recycled materials are finding new purpose in the form of eyewear frames:
- Ocean plastic – Brands like SEA2SEE and Eco Eyewear use recycled marine plastic to make eyeglass and sunglass frames.
- Discarded fishing nets – Costa del Mar’s Untangled collection features sunglass frames made from 97% to 100% recycled fishing nets.
- Recycled plastic bottles – Each frame in Eyebuydirect’s 5 TO SEE line is made from five recycled plastic bottles.
- Recycled metals – Eyewear manufacturers such as MYKITA are making frames with recycled stainless steel.
Bio-based frame materials
Some manufacturers are using bio-based materials to create eyeglass and sunglass frames. (Bio-based products are made with plant-based materials.) One example is Ray-Ban’s bio-based frames. The materials used to make these frames contain 28% to 54% biological content.
By using bio-based alternatives, eyewear brands can reduce their use of plastic during frame production. Some of these materials include:
- Bio-acetate – Made with a combination of wood pulp, cotton seeds and a plant-based plasticizer
- Bio-based nylon – Made with renewable materials such as castor beans
- Bio-based rubber – Made with renewable materials such as corn
Using responsibly sourced, bio-based options also allows manufacturers to limit their carbon footprint.
Other frame materials
Bio-based alternatives aren’t the only option for making sustainable frames. Other environmentally friendly materials include:
- Bamboo
- Reclaimed wood
- Titanium (a highly recyclable metal)
What happens when your old frames wear out?
When it’s time for new glasses, there are several ways to part with your old frames instead of throwing them away. Consider using one of these environmentally responsible options:
Donation programs
Organizations like Respectacle and Lions Club International accept donations of used glasses that are in good condition. The glasses are cleaned and redistributed to people who need them.
EyeMed’s Donate for Good program collects glasses for recycling. For every pair donated, EyeMed contributes $5 to the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation. OneSight aims to provide access to vision care and vision correction to those in need.
Recycling programs
Some organizations, including Lions Club International, also accept glasses that cannot be reused. The glasses are separated into individual parts for recycling.
Biodegradable options
Consider buying frames made from biodegradable materials like bio-acetate or bamboo. These materials can decompose under the right conditions, reducing long-term plastic waste.
READ MORE: How sustainable eyewear helps reduce environmental impact
The shift to less wasteful frames
In traditional eyewear manufacturing, up to 75% of the acetate used for frames is usually wasted. This occurs when sheets of acetate are cut down into individual frame pieces, leaving behind unusable scraps. Many brands are shifting toward new methods that help reduce this waste and conserve resources.
Some eyewear manufacturers are using 3D printing technology to make frames. This produces fewer scraps during the fabrication process. It’s also faster and can be done with sustainable materials.
How eco-frames help everyone
Eyewear is essential for millions of people around the world. Eco-friendly options offer the following benefits to both the wearer and the planet:
- High-quality eyewear – Bio-based materials typically provide the same strength, durability and performance as traditional eyewear.
- Aesthetic options – The frames come in many shapes, colors and designs to meet various aesthetic preferences.
- Sustainability – Buying frames from an eco-conscious brand supports environmental benefits like less waste, a lower carbon footprint and cleaner oceans.
LEARN MORE: Sustainable materials in modern eyewear design
How you can fight eyewear waste
You can play a role in the sustainable eyewear movement by taking the following steps:
- Choose wisely – Pick frames made with recycled, bio-based or natural materials.
- Join the effort – Use donation or recycling programs to dispose of old eyewear.
- Be part of the change – Support eyewear companies that maintain environmentally responsible practices.
Small choices can have a big impact. By choosing sustainable eyewear, you can reduce plastic waste and help create a cleaner planet.
READ NEXT: How to choose eco-friendly glasses and sunglasses
