Eco Eyewear's Groundbreaking Eco Ocean Collection

Transforming Ocean Waste into Stylish, Sustainable Eyewear

Eco Eyewear, known for their commitment to environmental sustainability, has taken a bold step in addressing the issue of ocean waste. The Eco Ocean collection is a testament to the brand's innovative approach, turning discarded maritime ropes into stylish eyewear frames. This initiative not only helps clean the oceans but also showcases the potential of plastic waste as a reusable resource.

The Eco Ocean collection features optical and sun frames, all made from recycled ocean plastic. The frames are lightweight, comfortable, and come in a variety of ocean-inspired shades. The design subtly hints at the story behind the frames with a wave-shaped hinge. Each frame is presented in a case made from recycled PET fabric, further emphasizing the brand's commitment to sustainability.

The process of creating these unique frames involves a collaboration with Waste Free Oceans, an NGO that works with local fishermen to collect used plastic from the ocean. The collected plastic is cleaned, cut, dried, and prepped, before being extruded into plastic granules. These granules are then injection molded into the Eco Ocean frames, with a bit of pigment and a process stabilizer added to ensure the frames can be recycled again.

Despite the challenges faced in achieving a high-quality level of the material and a well-balanced color palette without using virgin material, Eco Eyewear managed to overcome these obstacles. By adding a bit of calcium to the material, they increased its hardness while maintaining flexibility. The brand also adjusted the design to allow for slightly thicker dimensions, which turned out to have aesthetic advantages. The surface coating was made scratch-resistant, and the frames were colored by adding pigment to the master batch before injection, resulting in a pleasing color range.

Eco Eyewear's Eco Ocean collection is a testament to the brand's commitment to sustainability and innovation. By transforming ocean waste into stylish eyewear, the brand is not only helping to clean the oceans but also setting a new standard in the eyewear industry. The collection was recognized for its innovation and impact, winning the Golden A' Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design Award in 2021.