ZEAL Optics Unveils Biodegradable Sunglass Made from Cotton

August 23, 2013 – Boulder, Co. – ZEAL Optics announced the release of the world’s first cotton biodegradable sunglass, the Ace. Designed in Boulder, Colorado and crafted by the renowned Italian powerhouse, Mazzucchelli, the Ace is a revolution in sustainable eyewear. Produced from 100% USA Grown cotton, the Ace is the first of its kind and the greenest sunglass – EVER.

“After two years of development, we are bringing to market an amazing product with a purpose,” said ZEAL President John Sanchez.

For this launch, ZEAL partnered with the renowned Mazzucchelli family, boasting over 160 years of eyewear expertise in Italy, to provide an ecological statement to the eyewear market without sacrificing style. The unique result is Ace.

In combination with ZEAL’s plant-based e-llume lens, the Ace is the greenest sunglass ever developed.

“ZEAL Optics has seen our ecological philosophy come to life in a revolutionary new product,” said Sanchez. ”Both Mazzuchelli and ZEAL are working together to create a product that will truly raise the bar on sustainability in the industry.”

All of ZEAL’s handmade eyewear, designed in the Rocky Mountains of Boulder, COLO. USA, highlights an industry-leading initiative to source sustainable materials for trend defining styles.

“The eyewear industry needs innovators. Small, independent brands like ZEAL help to push the limits of the market,” said Joe Prebich, ZEAL’s Director of Marketing. “It’s so exciting to think about how the brand can transform at retail around a product that has this type of ecological story behind it.”

ZEAL Optics’ patent-pending plant-based lenses offer unparalleled protection and prevention from UVA, B, and C, as well as, being able to identify and block a negative light range called High Energy Visible (HEV) light. This was recently cited as a possible cause of cataracts and macular degeneration. The ZEAL e-llume lens not only identifies this spectrum of light, but helps to block it out.  The e-llume lenses contain a special hard coating for scratch resistance, along with an exclusive high transmission polarized film for increased eye protection from harmful rays. The ZEAL e-llume lens also proudly offers the highest clarity rating of any lens in the outdoor market, utilizing higher purity material allowing for greater visual clarity.

Ace will be offered in RX at +3.00 to -4.50 for those who need protective prescription eyewear through ZEAL’s custom Digital RX Lab.

The Ace will be available worldwide on September 2.  For more information on the Ace and other eco-friendly styles that ZEAL has available, go to http://www.zealoptics.com or check out the video at http://vimeo.com/71123559.

About ZEAL Optics: Proudly the most sustainable sunglass company in the world, ZEAL designs and crafts every sunglass from renewable plant-based materials. ZEAL is also known for revolutionizing the goggle market with the HD Camera Goggle and the original GPS goggle. Based in Boulder, Colo., USA, ZEAL is a boutique brand focusing on handcrafted quality eyewear build for life outdoors. 

Guideline Eyegear’s Alpine Sunglasses: Bio Based Frames

Guideline Eyegear’s Alpine Sunglasses ($59.95) are always polarized, providing total eye coverage against the sun with some of the widest lenses in Guideline’s collection. Rubberized temples and nosepads allow for maximum coverage in an active lifestyle without the worry of slippage, and as always, these sunglasses come 100% UV A and B protected.

The Alpine’s durable wrap-style frame allows for comfort and style as well as functionality, but is still constructed with the lightweight Grilamid BTR and polycarbonate lens in several timeless shade options. Whether this winter leads you, the Alpine is the perfect companion.

Take a look at the Alpine here: http://www.glpolarized.com/Guideline_Store/alpine-96100650

They are made of a 54% bio based polymer frame.  Guideline's bio based frame material is better for the environment than traditional frames for three different reasons ::

*CO2 emissions generated during the manufacturing process are 44% less than what is created during the manufacturing of traditional sunglass frame plastics

*Sustainably grown castor bean, and the natural oil generated from it, is a true alternative to crude oil based plastics

*Grillamid BTR is fully recyclable

Zeal Director of Marketing Joe Prebich shows us e-llume, the world’s first plant-based sunglasses lens

Watch movie HERE

Story by Tranworld Business

Boulder, Colorado-based Zeal Optics recently announced that it was releasing the world’s first plant-based sunglass lens, the e-llume, made from castor bean oil. Transworld Business had the chance to catch up with Zeal Director of Marketing Joe Prebich to learn more about the technology and plans to implement it throughout Zeal’s line.

Where did the idea for this come from and how did you develop this technology?

At ZEAL we are always looking for ways to incorporate more and more sustainable practices into our brand.  We really focus on building products with a purpose for the eyewear industry. We are dedicated to building from the ground up a handcrafted piece that really is about more than just sunglasses. It pays homage to the art of creating eyewear and the fun that innovation inspires.

Can you quantify how much less of an impact these lenses have on the environment compared to a traditional lens?

Traditional lenses use crude oil in their production.  The environmental impact of crude oil is extremely damaging and anything we can do to lessen the use of it, the better.  Our lenses replace crude oil with plant-based oil that is a renewable and sustainable resource. It’s truly an amazing process. And it’s not just about being eco, this is actually a much higher quality lens. The castor oil has a higher purity than petroleum oil can reach, so that the result is the most eco friendly lens in the world with an unmatched optical clarity.

How much of your line will feature these and how do they affect the MSRP?

Currently it is featured in two new active shapes, the Kennedy and Tofino, but we will be adding it to every ZEAL sunglass by the end of the year.  The MSRP doesn’t change due to the new lens, which is something we worked really hard to achieve, enabling more people to experience the brand and invest in a product with a purpose.

Here’s a look at one of the new styles featuring e-llume:

So next year’s shades will all feature e-llume?

Yes, e-llume will be available in every frame by January. We don’t do “kind of eco.” Lots of companies out there will put out a “green line” but that is like recycling on Monday but not on Friday. We really live this. Every piece is built from plants. Every one. Not a few here and a few there. We are proud to be leading this charge into reducing our environmental impact without ever sacrificing quality. People often overlook that our lens might be the world’s greenest, but it also is the clearest of any lens in the action sports market – with an abbe value of 38, our lens provides a clarity like no other.

Is it possible to use this technology for your goggles?

We are looking into it right now to try and add as much into the product line up as we can, without sacrificing quality. We need to make sure that the quality that we have become known for as a premium brand isn’t compromised. We only bring something to market when we know that we can have a positive affect on both quality and environment.

What else is in the pipeline as far as sustainably-focused products? 

We have some incredible products that will be coming out later this summer. Let’s just say they are unlike anything ever seen before. We have partnered with some of the leading minds to really think outside the box. It’s an exciting time for innovation and ZEAL breeds a culture of creating unique products that define the brand.

How has the feedback been from retailers on this project?

Incredible. The retail environment is all about telling stories and how brands define themselves. Creating this type of lens has been something that no one has been able to do and so for ZEAL it helps to really define us.  It introduces us to a totally new consumer base that isn’t able to get this type of product from any other brand in the market.

What will you be doing to tell this story through marketing and at point of sale?

We are really focusing on custom POP with individual accounts. We don’t dictate a corporate marketing edict to our retailers, instead we work with them on a person to person basis to really ensure that each storefront has the tools they need to tell our story. For some it is custom windows, for others it is training, so we listen to their needs and follow up to ensure that each one has the tools they need to sell through this summer.

Spy Launches New Eco Collection of Sunglasses with Surfrider Foundation

PRESS RELEASE by Transworld Business: CARLSBAD, Calif.—SPY® is happily introducing the “greenest” sunglass frame ever made—the SPY + Surfrider Foundation Helm—as a part of its new eco-friendly Recompose™ Collection.

With a shared passion for surfing and the common goal of environmental awareness, the SPY + Surfrider partnership aims to highlight Surfrider Foundation’s Rise Above Plastics campaign while advancing the development of environmentally conscious eyewear built from sustainable sources.

“SPY’s longstanding relationship with Surfrider Foundation made them an easy choice to collaborate with on our launch of the most environmentally responsible sunglass frame ever made,” says Michael Marckx, SPY President/CEO and Surfrider board member. “As an active member of the Surfrider Foundation for the last 20 years, I’ve seen the tremendous good the Foundation has achieved with over 225 successful campaigns, including the ongoing Save Trestles initiative. Now, the Rise Above Plastics campaign is more crucial than ever and we have to do our part as lovers of the oceans, beaches and waves.”

With both frame and hinges made from 100% biodegradable Plantate™, an all-natural plant polysaccharide material, the SPY + Surfrider Foundation Helm is a breakthrough in environmentally mindful eyewear. Even the recycled packaging, organic cotton protective baggie, soy inks and cleaning cloth are all part of the ethos built into SPY’s new eco-friendly Recompose™ Collection—which is launching with this first partnership between SPY and Surfrider Foundation on Earth Day, April 22, 2013.

Purchasers of this biodegradable sunglass frame from SPY will be happily supporting the goals of the Surfrider Foundation, as $5 from each pair sold will go to aid their mission of protecting oceans, waves, and beaches. MSRP for the SPY + Surfrider Foundation Helm is $110 and can be found at a local retailer near you.

For more information on the SPY + Surfrider Foundation Helm and environmentally conscious Recompose Collection, go to http://www.spyoptic.com/collection/recompose.html. To learn more about Surfrider Foundation and their Rise Above Plastics campaign, go to http://www.surfrider.org/rap. For more information about SPY, log-on at www.spyoptic.com, www.facebook.com/spyoptic, Twitter @spyoptic and @spyoptic on Instagram.

About SPY Inc.:

We have a HAPPY disrespect for the usual way of looking (at life). This mindset helps drive us to design, market and distribute premium products for people who “live” to be outdoors, doing intense action sports, motorsports, snow sports, cycling and multi-sports‹the things that make them HAPPY. We actively support the lifestyle subcultures that surround these pursuits, and as a result our products serve the broader fashion, music and entertainment markets of the youth culture. Our reason for being is to create the unusual, and this is what helps us deliver distinctive products to people who are active, fun and a bit irreverent, like us. It¹s what makes us HAPPY, and our customers, too. Our principal products‹sunglasses, goggles and prescription frames‹are happily marketed with fun and creativity under the SPY® brand. More information about SPY may be obtained from: www.spyoptic.com, www.facebook.com/spyoptic.com, Twitter @spyoptic and Instagram @spyoptic. 

About Surfrider Foundation:

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world¹s oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 250,000 supporters, activists and members worldwide. For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, visit www.surfrider.org.

Smith Evolve Sunglasses - Bio-based material

Spring shredding is here which means you don't have to rock goggles all the time! Before you start hot lapping the park throw on a pair of Smith shades from their Evolve series. Smith Evolve Sunglasses frames are made with a new material called Rilsan® Clear, a bio-renewable sourced polymer derived from castor oil. They feature a logo plaque finished with a clear water-based protective coating and ship with a coconut fiber storage bag and FSC certified packaging. Evolve Sunglasses are designed with and for a clearer environmental conscience. The Lockwood model is shown above.

Check out the line at smithoptics.com.

Shift Into Neutral Sunglasses from VonZipper

The Fulton Shift Into Neutral Sunglasses from VonZipper. The Shift Into Neutral Collection of sunglasses are made from environmentally friendly and sustainable oil derived from the castor bean. It's VonZipper's way of leaving the campsite better than they found it. This magical oil is a non-toxic, renewable resource that can be used to create frames with the same strength and flexibility as their traditional sunglasses. These sunglasses also come with a cotton sunglass bag and are minimally packaged for her pleasure.

Specs:

100% UV Protection

Base 6 Spherical Lens

Handtooled Acetate Frame

Impact Resistant CR.39 Lens

Stainless Steel Optical Hinges

Wire Injected Temple Core

vonzipper.com

Oakley Bob Burnquist Gascan Sunglasses

Oakley Bob Burnquist Gascan Sunglasses are Oakley's first "green sunglasses" created using sustainable materials. The frames feature reclaimed and excess materials used from creating other eyewear reducing the use of virgin materials. They come with a bamboo fiber storage bag and the packaging is created from recycled materials and printed with soy-based ink. Best of all a portion of all proceeds go to Bob Burnquist's Action Sports Environment Coalition (ASEC) an organization that utilizes its collective assets to broaden the horizons of conscious consumption--paving the way for skateboarders, surfers, snowboarders, BMX bikers, and those passionately involved in the sports to achieve lasting sustainable benefits for individuals and community institutions.

Purchase at one of these retailers for ~$100.

Smith Evolve Sunglasses

Spring shredding is here which means you don't have to rock goggles all the time! Before you start hot lapping the park throw on a pair of Smith shades from their Evolve series. Smith Evolve Sunglasses frames are made with a new material called Rilsan® Clear, a bio-renewable sourced polymer derived from castor oil. They feature a logo plaque finished with a clear water-based protective coating and ship with a coconut fiber storage bag and FSC certified packaging. The Evolve Sunglasses are a fully considered sunglass designed with and for a clearer environmental conscience.

Check out the line at smithoptics.com.

Advocate pictured above.

Dragon E.C.O. Goggles

Following up from Dragon’s successful launch of the first ever E.C.O. sunglass, the line now expands into an entire collection including the first ever E.C.O. goggles.

E.C.O. (Environmentally Conscious Optics) is an initiative to help reduce their environmental footprint by exploring different types of sustainable materials and manufacturing methods.

To support this initiative, each E.C.O. sunglass is made form 100% renewable origins such as plant oil instead of petroleum. This means that Mother Nature replenishes the material used at the same rate that it is consumed.

Simultaneously, Dragon worked closely with their engineers, designers, and in-house development team to recycle old goggles and reuse the polyurethane to make new ones. They’ve also used bamboo for hypoallergenic micro fleece material and reduced chemical resins by using a new innovative gasket welding process in the lens. To add the cherry on top, Dragon partnered up with POW (Protect Our Winters) by donating $1 per E.C.O. goggle sold to help fight the causes of global warming.

Each E.C.O. product includes FSC certified packaging material and comes with 100% organic cotton bags, printed with water-based ink. It’s the small things that count…those of which Dragon has paid close attention to while developing the E.C.O. line.

Visit Dragonalliance.com for more info.

Story and photo from Dragon's Spring Eyewear 2010 Catalog.

Dragon E.C.O. Experience Sunglasses

Optical masters, Dragon have really stepped to the plate in efforts to keep the green movement rolling forward. Their E.C.O. Experience sunglasses are a special edition of Rob Machado’s Experience lineup and is the first model of shades to be manufactured out of a 100 % renewable substance. According to the Dragon, the frames are made out of a "secret plant-based material." Rock these to stay fresh on and off the slopes.

Purchase at Snowboardconnection.com $100.00