Sustainable Sunglasses
- Know What To Look Out For
This post was last updated in 2022
If you care about sustainability and you want to make the best purchasing decision possible for the planet, it helps to know what to look out for. Even if it is for something as simple as sunglasses.
When it comes to sunglasses the aspect that attracts the most attention is the frames. In particular, the material used to make the frames.
Sustainable sunglass frames are generally made from recycled plastics, bio acetate, wood, cork, bamboo or recycled metals. This is considered sustainable when compared to traditional frames, which are made from plastics or metals.
You might be wondering, what about the rest of the sunglass? The lenses and hinges? Well, eco-alternative options lenses seem to be very limited, as covered below. Many companies stick to using plastic lenses and on rare occasions glass lenses. Hinges joining the front frame and side arms are typically made from steel, although there are rare companies like Good Citizen that make their hinges from recycled plastics.
So, when it comes to the materials used to make sunglasses, it’s the frame you need to focus on.
But the materials used to make the frame are not the only consideration. If you want to buy sunglasses that have a low impact on the environment there are other aspects to consider, as covered below.
Here in this blog post, you will find the answers to the following questions:
- What are sustainable sunglasses made of?
- What should you look out for when buying sustainable sunglasses?
- What about second-hand sunglasses or reusing old frames?
Plus answers to these related questions:
Click on the question that most interests you.
What are sustainable sunglasses made of?
Sustainable sunglasses are generally made from recycled plastics, bio acetate, wood, cork, bamboo or recycled metals. Keep in mind it is only the frames that are made from sustainable materials – not the lenses. Still, this is an improvement to traditional frames, which are made from plastics and virgin metals.
Here is an overview of the different sustainable materials used in sunglass frames.
For brands that use these materials, check out 9 Sustainable Sunglass Brands Worth Checking Out.
1. Recycled Plastics
What’s to like
- Does not use virgin materials, hence fewer carbon emissions compared with traditional plastic frames.
- Durable and made to last.
What’s not to like
- It is not biodegradable and can only be recycled a limited number of times.
- Rigid and difficult to produce curved frames.
For more information on sunglasses made from recycled plastics, refer to Recycled Plastic Sunglasses – Innovations Worth Supporting.
Bio Acetate
What’s to like
- Made mostly from plant-based materials
- Plants used to make the frames can sequester carbon while growing
- Biodegradable (under certain conditions)
- Flexible, easy-to-produce curved frames
What’s not to like
- Cheaper models may use plants from non-renewable sources
- Production still involves the use of manufactured chemicals and substances
- Bio-degradable under industrial conditions – the time to biodegrade in landfill is unknown
For more information on sunglasses made from bio acetate, refer to Plant-Based Sunglasses – What Are They Made From Really?.
Wood / Bamboo
What’s to like
- Can be renewable and sustainably produced, particularly if FSC certified
- Plants used to make the frames can sequester carbon while growing
- Lightweight
What’s not to like
- May not be from FSC-certified forests or FSC-certification can not be trusted
- Not as durable or flexible
For more information on sunglasses made from bamboo, refer to Bamboo Sunglasses – The Journey From Forest to Frame.
Recycled Metal
What’s to like
- Made from non-virgin resources hence lower carbon footprint than traditional metal frames
- Durable
- Often recyclable
What’s not to like
- Recycled metals have a high carbon footprint when compared to other sustainable options
- It is not easy to recycle all metals (titanium for example)
For more information on sunglasses made from recycled metals, refer to Recycled Metal Sunglasses – From Waste to Wearable.
Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, so there is no one best option here. However, recycled materials are preferable when compared to virgin materials, so that is something you may want to keep in mind.
And there are other aspects you may want to consider when shopping for sunglasses…
What should you look out for when buying sustainable sunglasses?
If you are buying new sunglasses and want your purchase to be sustainable, in addition to ensuring the frames are made from sustainable materials, you would want to consider these elements:
- Frame materials are locally sourced
- Glasses are locally assembled
- Frames and lenses are high quality and likely to last
- Packaging is made from recycled materials
- Packaging is recyclable or compostable
- The brand is committed to sustainability as part of its operations
- There is a repair program
- There is a take-back program, ensuring the products are reused or recycled at the end of their life
A little bit confused or overwhelmed? Is it even possible to find glasses to tick any of these boxes?
Well, I had a look at several brands out there and considered all these elements and found a few that are worth considering.
If you are interested check them out here: 9 Sustainable Sunglass Brands Worth Checking Out.
Of course, no one brand can tick all the boxes and there is an element of personal choice here that matters – you need to choose a brand that has styles that work for you.
But it’s good to know what to look out for, so you can weigh up the options with open eyes.
What about second-hand sunglasses or reusing old frames?
Traditional high-quality sunglass frames are durable and made from materials that last a long time, while lenses can get scratched up and damaged over time. However, since lenses are easily replaceable, buying second-hand sunglasses or reusing existing frames, is a viable and sustainable option.
When I lost my only pair of sunglasses I not only went deep into this research, but I also paid a visit to my local second-hand store.
Yes, I was looking to buy brand-new sustainable sunglasses but I also wanted a backup pair.
And I was able to I pick up a pair of Prada sunglasses from my local Vinnies.
I didn’t have to go shop to shop or search like crazy – just walked into one store, looked at their collection, spotted the Prada glasses and went – bingo! Won me a pair for $25.
The catch was they were prescription glasses.
However, it is very easy to replace lenses and it doesn’t cost much.
You could take them to the optometrist – any good optometrist can order custom lenses and fit them to any frames.
Or there is an online option worth considering – The Sunglass Fix.
The Sunglass Fix is an Australian company whose services are available worldwide. You just need the model number of your sunglass frames, enter it into their website and then purchase the lens you want. Then it’s a matter of removing the old lenses and replacing them with new ones. They have videos that help you through this process.
I opted for this and found it was another $50 to order polarised lenses to fit into the Prada frames. The total cost for this second-hand option is $75. I think that is still such a bargain.
You can also send in your frames and The Sunglass Fix will fit the lenses to the frames for you. This option is available here: https://www.thesunglassfix.com.au/custom-sunglass-lenses-for-all-brands
If your second-hand store does not have anything worthwhile, you can try online options like eBay, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace or Etsy.
Or second-hand vintage markets like Vestiaire. Also, there may be specialised second-hand sunglass stores in your country worth checking out, such as Retrospecced in the UK.
This blog post rounds up the information gathered about sustainable sunglasses and all the options available.
As I’ve mentioned a few times, there is no one option out there that is better than another. So the final choice comes down to personal preferences.
But at least now you what options are avaiable 😊
Happy shopping!
xxx Tahsin
Related FAQs:
Can sunglasses be made from recycled plastic?
The sustainable sunglass market is expanding and the most exciting development is the use of recycled plastics to make sunglass frames. Recycled plastics can come from used plastic bottles, marine plastics and even used and discarded plastic sunglass frames.
For more information about sunglasses made from recycled plastics check out Recycled Plastic Sunglasses – Innovations Worth Supporting
Can sunglasses be made from recycled metals?
Sunglasses can be made from recycled metals such as steel offcuts and recycled aluminium. However, the market for this is not large – there are only a few brands that use recycled metals to construct their sunglass frames.
For more information about sunglasses made from recycled metals and a list of brands that sell these products check out Recycled Metal Sunglasses – From Waste to Wearable
Are plant-based plastic sunglasses better for the environment?
Bio acetate, often referred to as a “plant-based plastic”, is better than traditional plastic frames because no petrochemicals go into making the frame, making it a much cleaner product with a lower carbon footprint. Also bio acetate is predominately plant-based, therefore it can biodegrade at the end of its life, under the right conditions.
A neat diagram that compares the carbon impact of traditional plastic frames against plant-based frames is shown below:
Want to know more about bio acetate? Refer to Plant-Based Sunglasses – What Are They Made From Really?
Are bamboo sunglasses sustainable?
Bamboo sunglasses are considered more sustainable than sunglasses made from virgin plastics or metals and it is more sustainable when compared to other sustainable options such as bio acetate frames. However, this does depend on whether the bamboo is from renewable sources.
It’s tricky to work out whether or not the bamboo used in sunglasses is sustainable, but there are some key things to look out for.
For more on this check out Bamboo Sunglasses – The Journey From Forest to Frame
Which is better plastic or glass lenses?
When it comes to sunglass lenses, the choices are between plastic and glass lenses. Plastic is better because it is durable, lightweight and inexpensive. However, glass is better because it is scratch resistance and offers the best optical clarity. Both have their drawbacks environmentally.
Unfortunately, environmentally friendly options for lenses are largely non-existent. Recycled lenses are largely unknown in the market. Bioplastic lenses do exist, however, no major sunglass brand out there uses these bioplastic lenses.
So it becomes a choice between plastic or glass lenses. Neither materials are great for the environment – plastic is problematic because of its use of petrochemicals and glass is problematic because it requires higher temperatures, and therefore more energy, to form.
It is a matter of personal choice and preferences here, rather than environmental considerations.
After more information? You may be interested in....
Don’t Throw Them Away – Practical Uses for Your Old Glasses – if you have old eyewear, don’t trash it! Explore this guide, which covers options to repair, reuse and recycle glasses.
9 Sustainable Sunglass Brands Worth Checking Out – for a list of Australian brands making sunglasses from sustainable materials and a summary of the pros and cons of each.
Sustainable Choices for Your Eyewear – Your Options Covered – for information on reusing old frames and lenses and where to get glasses second-hand.
Replacing New Lenses in Your Old Frames – Is it Worth it? – for further information about getting new lenses into your existing frames, in particular, how much this will cost
7 Sustainable Eyewear Brands Worth Checking Out – for a list of Australian brands making prescription glasses from sustainable materials.
Plant-Based Sunglasses – What Are They Made From Really? – read this if you want to know what “plant-based” sunglasses really mean and what makes them a sustainable option.
Recycled Plastic Sunglasses – Innovations Worth Supporting – learn about the types of recycled plastics used in sunglasses and the different brands that sell this sustainable option.
A Close Look At Bamboo Sunglasses – Sustainable or Not? – for a great overview of bamboo as a material source, allowing you to judge whether it is a sustainable option or not.
Recycled Metal Sunglasses – From Waste to Wearable – discover the unusual source materials used in recycled metal sunglasses and the studies that show they are a sustainable option.
