Each year, millions of pairs of glasses are discarded in North America, which can have a negative impact on our environment.
This is why a growing number of eyewear brands are embracing the power of sustainability when it comes to manufacturing quality eyewear.
Shopping for sustainable glasses is just one of the many ways you can help care for the planet. Many of today's top glasses brands share a commitment to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices into their design and manufacturing processes.
Knowing which glasses brands are committed to these practices can help you make better choices when shopping for environmentally-friendly frames. Read on to learn more about some of today's most fashion-forward, sustainable glasses labels.
Key takeaways
- Sustainable eyewear can benefit both the environment and the consumer.
- Eyeglasses brands like MYKITA, Garrett Leight, and BLAC Eyewear share a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices.
- Bio-based acetate, plant-based plastics, recycled metals, and sustainable wood are just a few of the eco-friendly materials used to craft today's environmentally-friendly glasses.
See Related: How to Donate Old Glasses & Eyewear
What is sustainable eyewear?
When you're on the hunt for the perfect pair of sunglasses, you should aim for both fashion and function.
However, when you're concerned about how your purchases affect the planet, materials matter, too.
Sustainable eyewear is the term used for glasses that have been designed to minimize environmental impact.
Most components made to use eyeglasses, including frames and lenses, are not designed with sustainability in mind, meaning they are not meant to be easily recycled.
According to recent figures, 75% of manufacturing acetate is wasted in the process of making glasses. This is particularly problematic as cellulose acetate, a popular material used to make eyeglasses, takes a long time to biodegrade. This means it can potentially leach harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
Implementing practices that allow glasses to be repurposed rather than discarded can benefit the environment in various ways.
Benefits of eco-friendly lenses
Buying sustainable glasses carries various benefits for the planet.
But it can also help consumers save.
Many of today's green eyeglasses brands are using high-quality materials and manufacturing processes to ensure glasses meet today's most stringent sustainability standards. This means stronger durability and longevity for eyewear, saving consumers money in the long run.
Energy efficiency
As part of a pledge to greener manufacturing, a growing number of eyewear manufacturers are looking to implement more sustainable practices into their operations.
This has led to various innovations in the industry, including freeform technology in lens production, which can lead to a reduction in water and energy consumption.
Energy efficiency is crucial when it comes to sustainability practices and their ability to reduce waste.
When shopping for glasses, be on the lookout for brands that use renewable energy sources as part of their production processes.
From recycling production waste to donating unused materials, there are various ways companies can elevate their commitment to eco-friendliness.
The best sustainable glasses brands
The best environmentally-friendly sunglasses and eyeglasses frames are stylish, durable, and meticulously crafted.
While many brands in the eyewear industry are embracing ecologically-conscious practices, the following labels are among the most environmentally-friendly brands in the industry today.
- MYKITA
- Garrett Leight
- BLAC Eyewear
- FEB31ST
- Quince
- Eco
- MITA Eyewear
- Pela
- SOLO Eyewear
Bonus: Titanium Glasses: The Pros, Cons, & More
MYKITA
MYKITA is a brand committed to ethical practices. They are known for crafting timeless glasses and sunglasses that meet the highest quality standards. In 2022, MYKITA became the first brand in the optical industry to make a complete switch to Acetate Renew, a sustainable material.
In addition to recycled materials, the company works continuously to help customers prolong the lifespan of their MYKITA frames, offering a complimentary MYCARE service.
Located in Berlin, MYKITA’s independent owned-and-operated production facility contains a fully integrated supply network. Their signature stainless steel eyewear consists of 90% recycled content.
Garrett Leight
California-based eyewear brand Garrett Leight employs a number of eco-friendly manufacturing processes that place it at the forefront of the eco-friendly eyeglasses and sunglasses markets.
The brand utilizes solar panels as an alternative energy source, as well as a zero-emission wastewater treatment in their production. Some components of Garrett Leight eyewear are chemical-free, including the brand’s acetate nose pads.
When it comes to production line efficiency, Garrett Leight uses automatic cutting machines that are used to cut acetate at a low scrap rate. Frames are then polished, buffed, and assembled by hand by in-house craftsmen and engineers.
Garrett Leight even goes one step further in their commitment to green practices, operating a farm that provides organic vegetables for their community.
BLAC Eyewear
Based in Risskov, Denmark, BLAC eyewear offers an innovative manufacturing process that sees sunglasses frames made sustainably and with a commitment to style.
Recognized for their commitment to quality, innovation, and minimalism, BLAC stands out for the creativity it puts forth in each frame design. The brand frequently experiments with novel materials, shapes, and bold colors.
Their distinctive production method utilizes only raw materials for its fiberglass and carbon fiber frames. As another example of BLAC's focus on eco-friendliness, the brand forgoes lacquer application during manufacturing, allowing the materials’ raw surfaces and unique texture to shine.
FEB31ST
Founded in 2011 in Italy, FEB31ST is a brand known for its eco-friendly stance and adaptable and innovative approach to eyewear.
This global brand’s mission is to revolutionize eyewear, using cutting-edge engineering to create exceptional glasses designs.
Quince
Quince is an affordable and sustainable glasses company utilizing eco-friendly practices in its manufacturing.
With materials made from plastics derived from cotton and wood pulp, Quince’s frames are both durable and stylish. Their products are shipped using 100% compostable poly bags and recycled plastic mailers, ensuring their commitment to eco-consciousness goes beyond manufacturing.
Eco
Eco is widely known for its colorful, retro frames as well as their commitment to green practices. The NYC-based label uses 95% recycled metal as well as other materials like bio-based castor seed oil and recycled ocean plastic.
MITA Eyewear
MITA is dedicated to eco-friendly practices, serving as a pioneer in the optical industry.
All of the brand’s eco-friendly fashion glasses are made from recycled plastic bottles and other recycled materials while the brand’s packaging is made from 100% sustainable hardware.
In 2023, MITA was the recipient of the esteemed “Optic for Good” certification, reaffirming its focus on ethical and sustainable practices.
Taking their mission one step further, Eco plants a new tree for every glasses purchase.
Pela
Pela is a company that takes sustainability seriously. Stylish, affordable, and eco-friendly, this brand uses 33% less CO2e Emissions, 34% less water, and 82% less waste compared to conventional methods of manufacturing.
In addition to greener practices, Pela also runs a recycling program, allowing customers to donate their glasses so they are upcycled, recycled, composted, and properly disposed of.
SOLO Eyewear
SOLO Eyewear’s collection of adventure-inspired sunglasses is made sustainably and with an added commitment to charitable causes. The company has restored vision for more than 13,000 individuals by donating 10%of its profits and providing eye exams, glasses, and eye surgeries for those in need.
The glasses label’s frames are made from materials like repurposed bamboo and recycled plastic, with defective sunglasses and packaging being recycled to reduce their carbon footprint.
Top recycled materials for glasses
Various eco-friendly materials are used to create eco-friendly eyewear. Using these materials can help ensure eyewear remains environmentally-conscious throughout its entire lifecycle — from production to disposal. Some of the most popular materials for making ecologically-sound eyewear include:
- Bio-based acetate
- Recycled plastics
- Recycled metals
- Sustainable wood
Bio-based acetate
Bio-based acetate is a semi-synthetic material made from renewable resources. These bio-based materials include wood pulp and cotton. It’s one of the most popular materials used to make sustainable sunglasses and eyeglasses.
Recycled plastics
Many eyewear brands prioritize using repurposed plastic waste, typically G850 and PCG. Use of these materials can help reduce landfill waste.
Recycled metals
Recycled metals like titanium are extremely durable, helping users navigate everyday use with ease. Commonly recycled metals used for eyewear include stainless steel, titanium, and recycled aluminum. Each of these varies in appearance and durability.
Sustainable wood
Bamboo, a sustainably sourced wood, is a popular material used to make sunglasses and other eyeglasses.
Other sustainable materials for lenses
Glasses utilizing natural resources are ideal when keeping up with sustainable practices. Companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint often implement special recycling programs.
When shopping for the perfect pair of sunglasses, eyeglasses, or blue light glasses, quality counts. By investing in eco-friendly, high-quality materials like cotton-based acetate and other recyclable resources, you can extend the life of your glasses. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and therefore minimizes waste.
Conclusion
When you're searching for the ultimate pair of stylish eyeglasses or sunglasses to protect your vision, it's not enough to just turn heads.
Purchasing sunglasses made through eco-friendly practices can help you do your part to protect the planet's future. Whether through eliminating waste or through the use of recycled materials, there are various methods today's brands can use to ensure they minimize their environmental impact.
From MYKITA to Garrett Leight and FEB31ST, the growing number of eyewear labels committing to ecologically-sound practices is a positive sign for the future of the industry.
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