The environmental impact of your sunglasses: how Otis leads the way
Many people choose sunglasses for their design or the protection they offer to the eyes. However, there is one factor that often goes unnoticed: their environmental impact. From the materials they are made from to their production process and packaging, sunglasses can leave a much larger footprint than we imagine.
At OTIS, sustainability is not a last-minute add-on. It is a commitment we have been integrating into our products for years, consistently and with a long-term vision. After all, at OTIS we know that making better sunglasses also means making better decisions for the planet.
Why sunglasses have more impact than we think
Many sunglasses on the market are made with plastic lenses and synthetic frames derived from fossil fuels. These are materials that are difficult to recycle, degrade over time and, in many cases, end up becoming waste after just a few years of use, or even months.
When you add short product lifecycles, designs driven by passing trends and disposable packaging, the result is an industry that encourages constant replacement instead of long-term use.
The environmental cost of this model is high.
Choosing sunglasses designed to last and made from more responsible materials can make a real difference.
Mineral glass lenses: clarity with a lower environmental footprint
One of the main ways OTIS reduces its environmental impact is through the use of mineral glass lenses. Unlike plastic lenses, mineral glass is made from natural materials such as sand and soda ash.
It is a non-toxic material, infinitely recyclable and, importantly, far more durable over time.
In addition, OTIS Eyewear lenses are 12 times more scratch-resistant than plastic lenses, allowing them to maintain their clarity for years and reducing the need for frequent replacement. What does this mean?
Fewer replacements mean less waste and a product designed to stay with you for the long term.
In this case, durability is not only a functional advantage, but also an environmental one.
Frames designed with end of life in mind
Sustainability does not stop at the lens. OTIS frames are made from EcoAcetate. What is it? A biodegradable material derived from renewable sources. It offers the same premium finish, comfort and strength as traditional acetate, but with one key difference: a much lower impact at the end of its life.
By choosing materials specifically designed to break down more responsibly, we reduce environmental impact without sacrificing quality or design.
Less waste, smarter packaging
Packaging is another area where small decisions add up. At OTIS, we have removed non-biodegradable plastics from our packaging as much as possible. Instead, our sunglasses are wrapped in a reusable cleaning cloth, protected by a durable case and shipped in recyclable cardboard boxes.
The idea is simple: packaging should protect the product, not become waste as soon as it’s opened.
Designed to last, not to be replaced after a few uses
One of the most sustainable decisions you can make is to buy less, but buy better. OTIS designs sunglasses with durability as a priority, focusing on timeless styles rather than fleeting trends.
When a product is designed and made to last, resource consumption is naturally reduced: fewer replacements, less waste and lower environmental impact.
Sustainability doesn’t always have to be loud; sometimes it simply means doing things properly from the start.
A commitment that goes beyond materials
OTIS’s approach to sustainability is based on responsibility, not empty promises. From material selection to product lifespan and compliance with certified environmental standards, every decision is made with its impact in mind.
This commitment was recognised when OTIS became a certified B Corp, meeting demanding standards for social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
It is not a final goal, but a foundation for continued improvement.
Choosing better sunglasses starts with awareness
The environmental impact of your sunglasses is real, but it is also something you can influence. Choosing products made from durable, recyclable and responsibly sourced materials helps drive better practices across the industry.
When you choose OTIS, you see that sustainability does not mean giving up style or performance. It means proving that you can have all three: exceptional clarity, long-lasting quality and a more conscious relationship with the planet.
Because seeing clearly should never come at the expense of the environment.