Sustainable Sports Sunglasses: How Sports Fashion Brands Are Making Eco-Friendly Eyewear
The fashion industry is notorious for its environmental impact; many brands use and waste significant amounts of water and energy while promoting harmful materials and labour practices to meet consumer needs. Many consumers are calling for more businesses to adopt sustainable practices, and the sports sunglasses landscape isn’t exempt from these demands.
Eyewear production has a large environmental impact. Around 36% of all microplastics in the ocean come from plastic-based fibres like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, and sports sunglasses manufacturing contributes to the issue with the use of acetate, which is a common material in eyewear production. Excess materials and wearers throwing them after they no longer need them generate substantial waste.
As the demand for these shades increases, the need for conscious consumerism and sustainable practices is crucial. More and more people are participating in outdoor sports and activities, or searching for terms like, “explore Canada sunglasses“, and rates are increasing as people see the benefits, increasing the need for these sunglasses.
Brands doing Sustainable Sports Sunglasses
Fortunately, many sports eyewear and apparel brands are stepping up and shifting to sustainable processes. Innovations like plant-based frames made from recycled materials or plant-based sources and biodegradable lenses like the Bio Lens 2.0 are leading the charge in reducing environmental harm. Here are some of the brands making a difference:
Oakley
Oakley has long been a leader in sports performance sunglasses for running, cycling, golf, and more, thanks to diverse design and quality craftsmanship that meet athletes’ needs.
The brand pioneered revolutionary technology like PRIZM Lens Technology, which enhances colour and contrast for enhanced visibility outdoors. It also invented the Unobtanium material that increases grip when it comes into contact with sweat to prevent the sunglasses from slipping off.
Not to mention, Oakley is expanding its innovative spirit to its sustainability efforts to create eco-friendly sunglasses. Oakley developed a new eco-friendly frame material called BiO-Matter, which contains sustainable materials. It has at least 56% bio-based carbon content from sources like castor oil, minimising the use of petrochemical or fossil sources that can affect the environment.
Models like the Oakley X Cinelli Latch Panel are made with this material, showcasing how the pursuit of sustainability can still complement style and quality. Oakley continues to grow its line of sustainable sunglasses and is also working to add more eco-friendly materials to its other products, like apparel.
Waterhaul
Waterhaul caters to water sports enthusiasts with stylish and practical sunglasses and a commitment to cleaning up the environment where they spend their days. The eyewear brand has committed to reducing pollution in the ocean, particularly focusing on “ghost gear,” which refers to discarded and abandoned fishing gear like nets.
These lost strands pose a threat to marine life and affect water sports performance for activities like surfing, ensuring all those who live and enjoy the ocean can enjoy clean waters. The picked-up gear is then repurposed into 100% sustainable sunglasses, giving it new life that can benefit wearers while saving the ecosystem.
Despite being made from an unconventional material, the sunglasses are still high-quality, offering complete UVA and UVB protection, scratch resistance, and a durable and lightweight feel. They also have saltwater-resistant components, making them ideal for surfers and other athletes who frequent the sea.
Rudy Project
Sports gear brand Rudy Project has been making significant steps to reduce its emissions and carbon footprint.
Its Ride To Zero philosophy is ingrained in each aspect of the brand, ensuring the utmost quality for athletes with minimal environmental impact. The brand is expanding its use of Rilsan Clear in its sunglasses.
The material is a bio-plastic derived from 45% castor oil produced under sustainable processes, reducing the reliance on fossil-based sources. Aside from the frames, the brand is also embracing eco-friendly packaging.
Rudy Project has taken steps to reduce unnecessary materials and waste. It has eliminated plastic laminations from paper products, used recycled plastic for eyewear cases, and minimised the use of single-use plastics to create a more sustainable experience overall. Even the design of the sports sunglasses ensures people can wear the frames for a long time.
Durable construction prevents breakages and timeless designs keep them in style for longer, allowing athletes to keep using them for years rather than replacing them or throwing them away constantly. Rudy Project also provides spare parts and replacement lenses to extend their longevity.