The arrival of recycled plastics in the optical industry is becoming increasingly popular in all countries. However, eight years ago, when the Spanish firm Parafina started marketing frames made from recycled plastics, sales seemed impossible due to consumer reluctance towards this new material.

Having a frame made from recycled plastics raised fears between customers that the frame might be weaker. The evolution we have been experiencing has finally led to its widespread acceptance thanks to consumer awareness and the proven fact that recycled plastic is an excellent material. Nowadays, the incorporation of recycled plastics into our daily lives has become a standard feature in the form of vehicle components, textiles, furniture, household appliances and even glasses frames.

We are living a paradigm shift. While having a frame made from recycled plastics used to seem like a real adventure, now, thanks to the proven fact of its durability and the evidence of climate change, owing this kind of frame makes us responsible, caring and, it must be said, “cool people”. The evolution of the perception of recycled plastics has made it possible for this material to identify us individually and to become a form of self-expression and self-definition in the eyes of society.

Characteristics of spectacle frames made from recycled plastics

Recycled plastics are able to add flexibility and lightness to frames. Like Parafina, other companies all over the world have been appearing making use of recycled plastics for the manufacture of their spectacle frames. They idiosyncrasy of the product also makes it easy to ship, and therefore to market, allowing it to be sold anywhere in the world. Waterhaul, Nomad, Norton Point and The Ocean CleanUp are some of the companies that manufacture

Waterhaul, Nomad, Norton Point, The Ocean CleanUp, are some of the many companies that manufacture their frames from recycled plastics.

The origin of the recycled plastics used in the manufacture of these frames is diverse, from specific points of the ocean where the possible company collaborates by cleaning them, normally linked to local projects, to Asia, the place where the greatest amount of plastic waste is generated. Some companies add a plus to the fact of manufacturing recyclable frames as in the case of Nomad, which in addition to certifying that the plastic used comes from the ocean, is committed to planting five trees for each pair of glasses sold.

It’s not greenwashing: it’s a real commitment

While in the previous article on recycled plastics and the fashion industry, we denounced the practice of greenwashing by some companies, we also want to highlight how far the most committed companies are capable of going.

In the case of Parafina, Green Glass, See2See, Miller&Marc and other companies of the optic industry, they are supported by the BCOPR Certification which ensures the traceability of the material used, guaranteeing what these companies are promising.

At Onlyplast we are dedicated to the sale of recycled plastics to companies such as those mentioned above and many others. From different sectors, our customers are united by the concern to improve and create value in society, as another goal of their own business. Periodically, we provide through our articles information about recycled plastics and their use in different sectors in order to create useful information, able to inspire other companies, entrepreneurs, institutions and individuals.