Textile Insight

E co elements have been a part of outdoor accessories, like sunglasses, for some time. e increasing use of castor oil seeds used in textiles, plastics, coatings, personal care items, pharmaceuticals – and bio-polymers in sunglass frames – for its bio-based origin and low carbon footprint have actually heightened the need to monitor the supply chain. Launched in 2016, e Pragati Initiative enables sustainable crop production in India by using good agricultural practices to increase yield and farmer income, efficiency in use of water and maintenance of soil fertility, adoption of waste management practices and enabling better health and safety practices/respecting human rights. Member firms include BASF, Arkema, Jayant Agro-Organics and Solidaridad. More than 74,500 tons of SuCCESS certified castor beans were cultivated from 2017 to 2023. As optics firms work hard to strike a balance between technology and sustainability, here's what a few of the performance industry's finest are currently working on. SERENGETI Technology: In an effort to re-energize the brand's coastal American roots, in February 2024, Bollé Brands moved the Serengeti headquarters from Lyon, France to Carlsbad, California. Joe Freitag is President of Bollé Brands North America. "Serengeti exists for the person who wants a world-class lens to help them experience life in the best way possible with great fit, timeless style and great quality," he said. e brand recently launched an ophthalmic eyewear collection and plans to marry the idea with sunwear options through the launch of eyeglass clip-ons featuring its iconic 3-in-1 lens that combines polarization, color control and photochromic technologies in one lens. "Now people can experience Serengeti without sacrificing if they wear prescription glasses," added the exec. Sustainability: "Our goal is to have 90% of our product line made of eco-friendly materials in 2027 and a cornerstone of this mission is to find alternatives to the plastics we are using," Freitag noted. Most of the brand's lenses are made of mineral glass and acetate frames are being shied to materials like Mazzucchelli's M49 bio-acetate, which is sourced from plants. Freitag hopes for other eco-friendly options in the future, possibly including sustainable 3D printing and repurposed scrap, such as a leather regrind or plant-based leather alternative. Seeing Green Sunglass Brands Innovate with Sustainable Materials and Novel Technologies. By Suzanne Blecher IN THE STUDIO/ACCESSORIES 12 • Textile Insight ~ Spring 2024 textileinsight.com Sunglass brands innovate with sustainable materials and Novel Technologies.

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