Sustainable design

Award-winning natural eyewear brand, ROLF heads to Munich

 For the Spring/Summer 2025 season, ROLF expands their natural eyewear collection with 14 new styles in exquisite natural materials and cutting-edge 3D printed material derived from castor beans

These new designs will be unveiled for the first time at the OPTI event in Munich, showcasing fresh details, new colours, and innovative features for which the Austrian brand is well known. “The collection introduces new and refined models from the Substance Collection,” ROLF shared with Eyestylist. “We’re also debuting eyewear for children made from castor beans, fashionable sunglasses with inlays from the Mount Collection, and fresh pieces crafted from natural wood and stone.”

Above: Lotus by ROLF in the Fusion collection – this collection has won multiple awards including the PLUS X Award in 2024, recognised for Innovation, High Quality, Design, Ease of Use and Ecology – it also won ‘Gold’ in the Australian Good Design Awards.

ROLF: expertise in natural materials including wood

ROLF continues to craft frames from wood and natural horn, the materials that defined the brand’s beginnings over 15 years ago. “From the very start, we’ve been creating sustainable eyewear using natural materials and local production,” the team explained to Eyestylist. “Today, we’re constantly evolving our sustainability practices, deepening our understanding of sustainability in all its forms, and striving to improve each year.”

Evolved by ROLF: stone is spectacular as an eyewear material

Recent developments include operating the entire company on 100% green electricity and opening new offices designed to support employee health and well-being.

JISCO
OGI Eyewear
Article One
Orgreen
BLACKFIN
ROLF Spectacles
SALT.
Look
Res Rei
LOFT NYC - chelsea industrial chelsea factory march 13-15 New York
ERKERS
TVR True Vintage Revival
100% Optical, 1-3 March 2025, ExCel London, Register FREE
LAMARCA EYEWEAR
LAMARCA EYEWEAR
EOE
Götti Switzerland
J.F. REY
Suitto Sybarite
DIFFUSER Tokyo
IYI YOU MAWO
MOREL
MIDO

In preparation for the 2025 exhibition season, ROLF is also unveiling a new in-house-designed exhibition stand.

Stand design: ROLF takes a new direction in 2025 with a bold, modular stand featuring hexagonal structures

“As with the design of our eyewear,” explained Christian Wolf, “we placed great emphasis on innovation, utilizing in-house expertise, the latest technologies, and minimizing material usage. We’re excited to see how our stand—featuring an architecturally intriguing design and interchangeable image and plant elements—will be received. This stand, which can be assembled and disassembled multiple times, celebrates our passion for nature, creativity, technology, and sustainable practices, all built around our motto: ‘There’s no such thing as impossible!’”

Discover more about ROLF at www.rolf-spectacles.com. This exclusive feature was written by Clodagh Norton for www.eyestylist.com.

Vinylize upcycles brake cables for temples

The cables are used in their new collection called Cyklo

Vinylize is introducing its new Cyklo collection produced in a combination of their classic trademarked grooved vinyl material with the new upcycled brake cables used for the temples. This material is a composite that is hypoallergenic, flexible,  lightweight and durable.

Cycling is a much loved pastime dating back to the 1830s. According to Vinylize – the bike industry produces more than 26 million bicycles each year, and over 43 million metres of brake cable, making it an abundant material to upcycle with ease. Above: the new Vinylize Cyklo collection offers style and design originality – coloured vinyls are also a feature of this line

Vinylize announced the new Cyklo collection this week – it will be on show at OPTI in Munich

The collection offers three models, each available in four colours. Maintaining a link with music – a signature of the eyewear brand – these frames commemorate the hit song by Queen, “I Want To Ride My Bicycle”, originally composed in 1972 by Freddie Mercury.

OGI Eyewear
Orgreen
JISCO
BLACKFIN
LAMARCA EYEWEAR
TVR True Vintage Revival
DIFFUSER Tokyo
Article One
LOFT NYC - chelsea industrial chelsea factory march 13-15 New York
Res Rei
Look
MIDO
100% Optical, 1-3 March 2025, ExCel London, Register FREE
Götti Switzerland
SALT.
ERKERS
ROLF Spectacles
EOE
MOREL
Suitto Sybarite
IYI YOU MAWO
J.F. REY
LAMARCA EYEWEAR

 

Vinylize Cyklo – attention to detail in the combination frames

Vinylize has been making frames from records since 2004 in their own factory in Budapest, Hungary. They are currently using more than three tons of records to produce their frames and accessories each year, products which because they are produced in vinyl are completely unique in the field of  eyewear. The brand is committed to vinyl recycling and also offers recycling services to music distributors and individuals looking to responsibly dispose of vinyl. For more information about Vinylize visit www.vinylize.com

Clara Besnard upcycled design: Morph alpha

The Morph alpha design won the Silmo d’Or – Prix Special du Jury – earlier this season – the design is remarkable for its unusual mix of avant-garde and retro influences  

Clara Besnard, the Brussels-based artist and designer, designed a unique tentacle-like creation born from the archive of eyewear brand Parasite and vintage acetate frames. The design won the Prix Special du Jury at Silmo this year, a prize which is given to recognise a particularly outstanding and innovative design.

The frame is made entirely of spare parts and old frames sourced from the workshops of Parasite and the Brussels-based vintage optical shop, Bidules (www.bidules.be). The artist and designer handcrafted the design as a system of tentacles, with its main roots formed from a Parasite MORPH V01 (2003) and secondary roots made of acetate temples and fronts from the 1970s and 80s.

Clara Besnard x Bidules x Parasite – MORPH alpha – recycled and recyclable – the design was presented at SILMO 2024

About Clara Besnard: A graduate from La Cambre’s Master’s program in accessory design, French designer Clara Besnard is an accessories designer who makes eyewear and jewellery creations from upcycled materials. Her newest collection – Blooming of a Face – was selected as a finalist for the Hyères International Festival of Fashion. To find out more about her work and to shop her handmade jewellery, visit www.clarabesnard.com

Emilia and Erik Lindmark, EOE Eyewear

Emilia and Erik Lindmark, co-founders of EOE Eyewear, have a pioneering approach to sustainable eyewear and how it is made. They are also the creative innovators behind the sustainable initiative, REGRIND, a project focusing on reducing waste in the industry by recycling old, used, or discarded eyewear and turning it into high-quality raw materials for new products. We caught up with them this month to find out about their latest work….and a new artistic collection from EOE featuring sustainably sourced reindeer antler

EOE Eyewear is one of the first brand’s to have taken a serious interest in sustainability. Would you agree? Absolutely. At EOE Eyewear, sustainability has been a core value since the very beginning. We’re proud to be one of the pioneers in the eyewear industry when it comes to integrating environmentally responsible practices into our production and distribution processes. Already in 2013, as Mazzucchelli released M49, our premiere collection with eco-acetate was released. While many brands are starting to embrace sustainability, I would say that EOE Eyewear has been at the forefront, focusing on materials like biodegradable acetate and recycled metals, as well as adopting circular business models (REGRIND) to reduce waste, both from production spill and from post consumer eyewear in a lot of different ways. We believe that sustainability is not just a trend, but a fundamental shift in the way fashion, along with all other industries, should be approached. We’re very committed to continuing this journey and inspiring others in the industry to follow suit. Above: Emilia and Erik Lindmark of EOE Eyewear – they are also the co-founders of REGRIND

What does the season’s EOE collection look like and can you highlight two of your favourite frames and explain the concept? This season, our collection is called the Antler Collection, and it draws inspiration from the soft, earthy hues of autumn and the majestic Swedish reindeer. Our designer Camilla Lindberg has created a range of frames that reflect the warmth and depth of autumn tones—think rich reds, burnt oranges, and earthy browns. A unique feature of this collection is the use of sustainably sourced reindeer antler, which is hand-carved by local artisan Ulf Avander, who has been honing his craft since the 1970s. The antlers are naturally shed each year, making them an eco-friendly material that can be thoughtfully repurposed. Besides this, we worked with incredible AI artist Sevda Albers for this campaign, creating images that fully encapsulates what we wanted to portray.

One of our personal favourites from this collection is the Saadek Horn—a beautifully rounded, soft oval frame that’s elegantly adorned with a piece of reindeer antler. The natural texture of the antler complements the smooth lines of the frame, creating a harmonious balance between nature and design.

Saadek Horn by EOE Eyewear – in the new Antler collection – natural reindeer antler is a feature of the collection

Another standout for me is the Lovikka Twist. The Lovikka is a classic EOE design that’s been reimagined over the seasons, and in this collection, it takes on a fresh, modern twist. It’s the perfect example of how timeless design can evolve, while still staying true to its roots.

You have always studied particular links between the landscapes of Northern Sweden and how those references can inform your design details and colour palette. How are you evolving this beautiful story? Yes, it’s true that we have always been fascinated by the unique landscapes of Northern Sweden and how they can inspire and enrich our designs. For me, it’s not just about reflecting the physical appearance of the landscape, but capturing its essence—the raw, untouched beauty and the subtle nuances found in nature that me, Erik, and our family have had the pleasure of experiencing up in Ammarnäs, and basically everywhere in (Swedish) Lapland.

In our most recent collections, we’ve continued to explore this connection through both colour palettes and form. We have drawn inspiration from everything, from the soft light of the mountains to the northern sky’s colours at different times of day, to the contrast between the cold tones of winter and the deep greenery of summer months. We’ve also been working with materials that reflect nature’s textures—such as frosty surfaces imagined through matt acetate, or the organic shapes of trees and precious stones – for example, in our Stone Collection!

To further evolve our brand, we’re always looking at ways to integrate sustainability and local material choices in our collections, so that our designs not only tell a story, but also have a deeper connection to the Northern landscape. We want each eyewear piece to feel like part of a larger narrative, where nature is not just an inspiration, but also a foundation for creating something timeless, and, most importantly, sustainable.

What has EOE got in the pipeline for 2025? EOE has an exciting year ahead for 2025, with a continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and pushing the boundaries of eyewear design. Regarding shows, we have actually consciously taken a step back to instead focus on the continued expansion of our brand, and exciting new updates such as our new website and the upcoming collections.

Our upcoming SS25 collection is called “Midnight Sun”, and even though I won’t share more than that at the moment, I can promise that it will be exciting and a true reflection of the very special light that occurs in the north of Sweden.

We’re also focusing on enhancing our brand experience in Stockholm. The flagship store on Mäster Samuelsgatan 10 is more than just a retail space; it’s a reflection of our brand’s ethos—a place where design, craftsmanship, and the spirit of Northern Sweden come together. In 2025, (our 15th Anniversary), we’ll be introducing new in-store experiences, further include limited-edition collections and exclusive collaborations that will further elevate the EOE identity.

We’re also continuing to work on expanding our sustainability initiatives, from exploring new eco-friendly materials to enhancing our production processes. Our goal is to ensure that EOE not only delivers exceptional design but also a positive environmental impact, staying true to our roots and vision of creating eyewear that’s both beautiful and responsible. For example, exciting things are in the pipeline for REGRIND.

Atlas Bare by EOE Eyewear

As well as EOE, you are the co-founders of REGRIND. For anyone who hasn’t come across REGRIND as yet, can you explain the concept and outline your current activities? Of course! REGRIND is a project that we’re incredibly passionate about. It’s a sustainable initiative focused on reducing waste in the eyewear industry by recycling old, used, or discarded eyewear and turning it into high-quality raw materials for new products. The concept is simple but impactful: by collecting eyewear that would otherwise end up in landfills and giving it a second life, we can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of our industry. The REGRIND acetate has proven to lower CO2 emissions by up to 35% when compared to the use of virgin acetate, according to a LCA analysis.

At REGRIND, we work with optical retailers, manufacturers, and consumers to collect old eyewear, which we then process and transform into circular, usable acetate sheets. The circular acetate can then be used to create new eyewear, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

It’s all about closing the loop and fostering a more circular economy within the eyewear sector, and we hope to be able to expand our factories and further develop the REGRIND technology in order to make it more accessible worldwide. For example, the REGRIND acetate was utilized by Balenciaga in 2024, and we look forward to aiding other brands in their journey to becoming more sustainable.

REGRIND is really about creating a more sustainable future for eyewear, and it’s a perfect complement to the work we’re doing with EOE Eyewear. Both initiatives are part of our broader mission to lead by example, and to drive a positive change in the eyewear industry.

As creative innovators in the eyewear sector, how do you feel the industry is progressing in general as regards sustainable practices? What do you think needs to happen next? As a company deeply committed to innovation and sustainability, we’ve seen the eyewear industry making significant strides in recent years. More and more brands are recognizing the importance of adopting sustainable practices, whether it’s through using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, or improving the lifecycle of their products. Consumers are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, and as a result, sustainability has moved from being a trend to a fundamental expectation. At EOE Eyewear, we’re proud to be a trailblazer of this movement, prioritizing the use of recycled and renewable materials, as well as designing products that are durable and timeless, (yet fashion forward), reducing the need for a constant replacement.

However, I do think the industry still has a long way to go. One area that could benefit from further innovation is the circularity of eyewear products. The infrastructure for this kind of closed-loop system is still underdeveloped, and there’s an opportunity for brands, manufacturers, and retailers to collaborate and create more effective recycling programs, and to adapt to use our REGRIND technology in order to ensure that discarded post consumer eyewear and production-spill becomes circular.

Additionally, there’s potential for more transparency around the environmental impact of virgin production processes, from sourcing materials to manufacturing across the entire sector. As we move forward, it’s essential that the industry continues to push for eco-friendly solutions while maintaining quality and functionality.

The next step, I believe, is not just innovation in materials, but also a shift towards a more systemic approach to sustainability—one that looks at the entire product lifecycle, from design and production to use and disposal or re-use. The more that all brands can educate consumers on how to care for, recycle, and repurpose their eyewear, the more we’ll collectively reduce our environmental footprint. It’s about creating a culture where sustainability is integrated into every step of the process, from ideation to delivery, and ultimately, to the customer’s experience.

www.eoe-eyewear.com  / www.regrind.se

REGRIND produce recycled eyewear material for fashion brands

This season, selected eyewear models at BALENCIAGA are made from old frames through the unique patented Swedish innovation process, REGRIND by EOE Eyewear

The independent sustainable eyewear materials innovators, REGRIND have announced that the latest BALENCIAGA eyewear collection features a model in several colours made from the recycled material that they have developed over the last few years. REGRIND utilizes old discarded eyewear and repurposes it to make a new attractive circular acetate material suitable for new designs.

The recycling rate of the old eyewear is an impressive 98%, and the resulting bio acetate material has multiple properties in terms of its quality, flexibility and durability, as well as endless creative possibilities for colour and pattern. Each frame produced through this process has up to 35% lower CO2 emissions compared to a standard frame according to a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Above: REGRIND recycled material samples – the colours and patterns of the material have been developed for high-quality collections

Balenciaga Neo Round, produced in circular Regrind™ acetate. The acetate used for the Balenciaga Neo Round was chosen from REGRIND’s in-house selection of acetate; the material can also be customised for the client – image courtesy of REGRIND

Furthermore, the REGRIND team has taken care to ensure that the electricity used in the regrinding process is certified to come from renewable sources. The REGRIND™ process is ISCC plus certified and measured by the ISO14040 method to follow a fair and scientific Life Cycle Analysis.

REGRIND by EOE Eyewear – a company founded in Swedish Lapland – is one of the leading materials innovators in Europe, working for change towards a more sustainable eyewear industry, where design and quality together, come first. To find out more about the REGRIND process visit https://www.eyestylist.com/2022/06/regrind-an-innovative-approach-to-circular-design/ For further information visit www.regrind.se