ZEAL Optics Introduces E-llume, the World¹s First Bio Based Lens

ZEAL Optics introduces the world’s first and only plant-based lens, which upholds to the highest of optical standards for quality and clarity while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Unveiled globally today at the International Vision Expo in New York City, ZEAL Optics, debuted to the market the world’s first lens using a plant-based bonding agent, thus replacing the petroleum-based bonder.

“We are so excited to present our new e-llume lens,” said ZEAL President John Sanchez. “ZEAL has created a lens that will become the new industry benchmark for optical clarity with an environmental purpose.”

Designed and crafted in Boulder, Colo., this lens is proof that environmental initiatives are not a deterrent to an incredible optical experience. ZEAL’s engineering team has found a way to not only reformulate the bonding agent to eliminate crude oil, but to maintain a 38 Abbe value clarity in an active lens.

At ZEAL the brand principles of environmental and social responsibility, along with creating memorable life experiences, are driven by these type of innovative discoveries that push the boundaries of both the green movement and current optical stands. This is the first lens of its kind that can truly provide an ecological alternative to crude oil based lenses.

Currently ZEAL produces all their sunglass frames with Z-resin, a plant-based material that uses castor oil, eliminating harmful crude oil from the manufacturing process.  With the new e-llume lenses, ZEAL will become the first company in the world to lead the way towards completely removing crude oil from sunglass production. 

"Castor represents a renewable resource,” stated Dick Auld expert in plant and soil science from Texas Tech University. “We commend ZEAL for taking the initiative to use a product that not only increases their sustainability, but also maintains the high quality of their product.”

ZEAL Optics’ patent-pending bio-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.

For more information on the ZEAL’s sunglasses visit www.zealoptics.com.   Stay tuned to www.facebook.com/zealoptics as well for updates. 

About ZEAL Optics:

Based in Boulder, Colo. ZEAL Optics is known for precision crafted eyewear that pushes the boundaries of Outdoor and Optical experiences. With handcrafted design straight from the heart of the Rocky Mountains, ZEAL Optics has defined itself in the optical industry through innovation in both the Goggle and Eyewear advancements. For more on ZEAL Optics check out www.zealoptics.com and stay tuned towww.facebook.com/zealoptics for everyday updates. 

Adidas Group Creates Five-Year Environmental Plan

Adidas Group presented a five-year environmental strategy to revamp its approach to managing eco-friendly practices, which was published together with the brand’s Sustainability Report and sets a goal of “using 100% better cotton by 2018″ as part of its Better Cotton Initiative. The report indicates that Adidas will make every component of its business more efficient, from product design, development and sourcing to logistics, own sites and IT systems, ultimately improving the company’s environmental footprint.

Adidas currently makes snowboard googles and has done collaborations with Burton to create boots.

“Implementing environmental performance across our value chain is an important step to deliver sustainable operations over the long term,” said Herbert Hainer, Adidas Group CEO. “At the same time, our Environmental Strategy creates a sustainable platform for future performance improvements and innovations and is therefore essential for the success of our business.”

One of the milestones included in the Environmental Strategy is the company’s commitment to using 40% Better Cotton by 2015 and 100% by 2018. The Adidas Group co-founded the Better Cotton Initiative which aims to improve the environmental impact in the mainstream cotton industry. The primary focus is on reducing water consumption and pesticide use in cotton farming.

“By supporting the Better Cotton Initiative, we want to contribute to making global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for our consumers,” said Hainer. “Our goal is to use 100% Better Cotton in our products by 2018 and we are excited to work closely with the Better Cotton Initiative towards achieving this ambitious goal.”

Another flagship initiative evolving from the strategy is called “Green Company” and looks at the own sites of the Adidas Group. During 2010, the Group’s headquarters in Germany and five North American sites worked together to create a shared environmental management system, certified to ISO 14001. All certified locations are managed in accordance with the international management system standard which allows global target-setting and management at HQ as well as a standardized approach to day-to-day environmental management at site level.”

Story By Transworld Business

Smith I/OS Evolve Google

Smith's I/OS Evolve Goggle is made with a bio-based material and recycled re-ground urethane. Utilizing recycled material from other companies, Smith reduced their dependency on virgin urethane. As the next step in Smith's Evolve program, they have integrated Merquinsa's Pearlthane ECO bio-TPU into their goggle line wherever possible. This material is composed of 40% bio-based material, derived from plant-based oils. To top it off the Evolve packaging has been minimized and made from recycled and recyclable post-consumer products and uses vegetable based inks. All of the Evolve packaging is FSC certified. The I/OS is 1 of 5 goggles in the Evolve series.

www.smithoptics.com

Dragon’s E.C.O. Googles

Check out Dragon’s E.C.O. (Environmentally Conscious Optics) Google Line! E.C.O. is an initiative to help reduce Dragon’s 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.

Dragon is recycling old goggles and reusing 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.

Each E.C.O. product includes FSC certified packaging material and comes with 100% organic cotton bags, printed with water-based ink.

Visit Dragonalliance.com for more info.

Smith Stance Goggle - Evolve Series

The Stance Heritage Green Evolve goggle is made with a bio-based material and recycled re-ground urethane. Utilizing recycled material from other companies, Smith reduced their dependency on virgin urethane. As the next step in Smith's Evolve program, they have integrated Merquinsa's Pearlthane ECO bio-TPU into their goggle line wherever possible. This material is composed of 40% bio-based material, derived from plant-based oils. To top it off the Evolve packaging has been minimized and made from recycled and recyclable post-consumer products and uses vegetable based inks. All of the Evolve packaging is FSC certified. The Stance is 1 of 5 goggles in the Evolve series.

www.smithoptics.com

Airblaster Tim Eddy ProAm Goggle

The Airblaster Tim Eddy ProAm Goggle comes equipped with a recycled strap and low-toxic frame (Transworld Gear Guide 2011). Airblaster’s Moisture Impermeable Lens Function means that you have technology on your side in the battle against fog. That little circular membrane on the inside of the lens makes your life better. It works its magic by allowing air to pass in and out of the sealed space between your lenses, while keeping moisture out! Result: no water between the lens, and no foggles! Don't forget the widescreen vision and bombproof lenses.

Purchase at one of these retailers - $99.99

www.myairblaster.com

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.

Smith Evolve Googles

In 2008 Smith introduced goggles made from 96% re-ground urethane. Utilizing recycled material from other companies, they reduced their dependency on virgin urethane. As the next step in Smith's Evolve program, they have integrated Merquinsa's Pearlthane ECO bio-TPU into their goggle line wherever possible. This material is composed of 40% bio-based material, derived from plant-based oils. To top it off the Evolve packaging has been minimized and made from recycled and recyclable post-consumer products and uses vegetable based inks. All of the Evolve packaging is FSC certified.

For more info on Smith's Evolve Snow Goggle line consisting of the Phenom, Prodigy, and I/O (shown above) go to smithoptics.com.

Spy DCP Signature Zed Goggles

We are pleased to present our first goggle post showcasing the Spy DCP Signature Zed Goggle! This goggle is a Spy team favorite and comes loaded with a number a sick features:

· Materials – Spy’s polyurethane frames are durable enough to take more than a beating. Isotron face foam features Spy’s moisture-wicking Dri-Force fleece for super soft, dry, warm comfort. The fleece wicks sweat away from your face and out through the foam. The most comfortable face foam on the planet.

· Shape – So flexible they’ll conform to any face. Medium Fit.

· Lens Tech – Polycarbonate cylindrical dual lens system with anti-fog/anti-scratch protection keeps your vision clear, even after you give these goggles a beating

· Ventilation – Spy's patented Scoop venting system forces air through strategically placed vents of varying aperture on the goggle frame to shut down fog. Your vision will thank you

· Strap – Dual adjustment, silicone-ribbed strap is easy to adjust and sticks to your head, as well as being fully helmet compatible.

Plus a portion of the proceeds from every DCP signature colorway are donated to reforestation in Costa Rica to help offset DCP’s carbon footprint!

Purchase at Evogear.com $99.95