Omar Khalid
With the world facing a plastic pollution crisis, companies are coming up with innovative ways to clean up the oceans and recycle plastic waste. One such way is to turn plastic waste into recycled plastic sunglasses. For instance, The Ocean Cleanup makes sunglasses with frames made from plastic collected from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Similarly, Waterhaul makes sunglasses from recycled ocean plastic and ghost fishing gear, and FacePlant makes sunglasses from recycled plastic bottles. You can even make your own recycled plastic sunglasses at FOS in Barcelona, where you can design and handcraft your own pair of sunglasses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frame | Recycled plastic, High-density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polycarbonate (PC), Recycled fishing nets, Recycled fishing gear |
| Lenses | Polycarbonate (PC), Barberini mineral glass, Polarized, UV protection, Bio-degradable, Replaceable |
| Other Parts | Recycled stainless steel, Recycled PET bottles, Recycled System 001/Wilson, Stainless steel hinges |
| Packaging | Microfibre bag made from recycled plastic bottles, Premium box made from FSC Certified Sustainable materials |
| Features | Unique QR code, Lifetime warranty, Flex Hinge 2.0, Polarized lenses, UV 400 protection |
| Production | Injection moulding, Extrusion, Shredding and washing, Mechanical recycling |
| Brands | The Ocean Cleanup, Waterhaul, FOS, FacePlant |
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What You'll Learn
Designing recycled plastic sunglasses
Materials:
The primary material for the frames of recycled plastic sunglasses is, of course, recycled plastic. This plastic can come from various sources, such as recycled fishing nets, ocean plastic, or post-consumer plastic bottles. Using recycled plastic bottles is an excellent way to give new life to plastic that might otherwise end up in landfills or the ocean. Some companies even specify how many bottles are used for each pair of sunglasses, providing transparency and highlighting the positive environmental impact of the product.
In addition to the recycled plastic frames, the lenses of recycled plastic sunglasses are also important. Lenses should offer UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Companies like FOS offer five UV lens color options: gray, brown, green, faded gray, and faded brown. Other companies, like FacePlant, incorporate biodegradable lenses into their sunglasses, ensuring that even the lenses are environmentally friendly.
Design:
When designing recycled plastic sunglasses, you have the freedom to create a unique and personalized style. Companies like FOS allow customers to design and handcraft their own sunglasses, providing a range of color options to complement the chosen design. You can also decide on additional features, such as hinges and nose pads, to enhance the style and functionality of your sunglasses.
Functionality:
While design and aesthetics are crucial, it's essential to prioritize the functionality and durability of your recycled plastic sunglasses. Consider features that will make your sunglasses comfortable and long-lasting. For example, flexible and durable frames, like those designed by FacePlant, can withstand various adventures and activities without breaking. Additionally, look for features like scratch-resistant lenses and a soft microfiber bag made from recycled plastic bottles to keep your sunglasses in pristine condition.
Environmental Impact:
When designing recycled plastic sunglasses, it's important to keep the bigger picture in mind: the environmental impact of your product. Choose materials and processes that align with sustainability and eco-friendliness. For instance, Waterhaul is dedicated to tackling ghost gear, the most harmful form of marine plastic pollution, by recovering and recycling marine plastics from the UK coastline. Their products, including sunglasses, are made from 100% recycled ocean plastic, and they offer a lifetime warranty, emphasizing the durability and long-term value of their products.
By following these guidelines and drawing inspiration from companies like FOS, FacePlant, and Waterhaul, you can design stylish, functional, and environmentally conscious recycled plastic sunglasses.
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Choosing a colour
The colour you choose for your sunglasses can be a way to express your personal style and make a statement. You may want to consider selecting a colour that complements your skin tone and hair colour. For example, if you have a cool skin tone, you might opt for colours like black, blue, or silver. On the other hand, if you have a warm skin tone, colours like brown, gold, or green might be more flattering.
Additionally, you can also take into account the occasion or purpose for which you will be wearing the sunglasses. For example, if you are primarily going to be wearing them at the beach or on sunny days, you might choose a colour that stands out and makes a statement, like a bright pink or turquoise. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more versatile pair of sunglasses that can transition from day to night, you might opt for a classic colour like black or tortoiseshell.
Another factor to consider when choosing a colour is the level of UV protection offered by the lenses. FOS offers five UV lens options in different colours, including grey, brown, green, faded grey, and faded brown. If you plan to wear your sunglasses in very sunny conditions, it is important to select a lens colour that provides adequate protection from harmful UV rays. For example, grey lenses are known for providing excellent UV protection and reducing glare, making them a good choice for activities like driving or water sports.
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Crafting the sunglasses
Designing the Frame
The first step is to decide on the shape and style of your sunglasses. Consider the latest trends, your face shape, and your personal preferences to design a frame that suits your taste and style. You can choose from a variety of colours and patterns to make your sunglasses unique. The different plastic flakes allow for a range of options to create different patterns and styles.
Choosing the Right Plastic
Select the type of recycled plastic you want to use for your sunglasses. Ensure that the plastic is of good quality and has been properly cleaned and processed. The chosen plastic should be durable, flexible, and suitable for sunglasses frames. The properties of the plastic should allow for both toughness and the ability to be recycled again if needed.
Cutting and Shaping the Plastic
Once you have your design and plastic, it's time to cut and shape the plastic into the desired frame shape. This process requires precision and attention to detail. Use the appropriate tools, such as a laser cutter or hand saw, to cut the plastic accurately. You may also need to smooth the edges to ensure a comfortable fit.
Assembling the Sunglasses
After cutting and shaping the frame, it's time to assemble the sunglasses. This includes adding the hinges, lenses, and any other necessary components. Ensure that the lenses offer UV protection and are of good quality. You can choose from a variety of lens colours, such as grey, brown, green, faded grey, or faded brown, to complement your frame design.
Polishing and Finishing Touches
Finally, polish your sunglasses to give them a smooth and shiny finish. You can also add any additional touches, such as a brand logo or decorative elements, to make your sunglasses stand out. Ensure that the final product is durable, comfortable, and stylish.
Crafting recycled plastic sunglasses is a creative and sustainable way to reduce plastic waste. By following these steps, you can design and create a unique pair of sunglasses that not only look good but also contribute to a more environmentally friendly world.
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Assembling the sunglasses
To assemble your own recycled plastic sunglasses, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, gather the necessary tools and materials, which may include recycled plastic sheets or pellets, a mould, an oven, and basic crafting equipment such as scissors and sandpaper.
The first step in the assembly process is to cut the recycled plastic sheets to size, using a template or measurements provided by a tutorial or kit. If you are working with plastic pellets, you will need to melt them down and inject them into a mould to form the desired shape for your sunglasses frames. Ensure that you follow safety precautions when handling hot materials. Once the plastic has cooled, you can remove it from the mould and begin refining the shape.
Use sandpaper or a file to smooth out any rough edges and refine the shape of the frames. Take your time with this step to ensure a comfortable fit. You may also wish to polish the frames to give them a shiny finish. Next, attach the hinges and lenses. The lenses should be handled with care to avoid scratching or leaving fingerprints. Carefully place the lenses into the frames, ensuring they are secure and properly aligned.
Finally, add any additional features, such as nose pads or decorative elements. You can also adjust the fit by gently bending the frames to match the contour of your face. Remember to handle your sunglasses with care, as recycled plastic can vary in durability. With these steps, you can create a unique pair of recycled plastic sunglasses tailored to your style and preferences.
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Polishing the sunglasses
Dismantling and Cleansing:
Start by carefully dismantling the sunglasses frame, separating the lenses and any badges or decorations. This step ensures that the frame is ready for an intensive deep clean. Use an ultrasonic cleaner or a similar tool to thoroughly cleanse the frame, removing any dirt, grease, or bacteria that may have accumulated during the previous steps of the construction process.
Polishing:
Once the frame is clean and dry, it's time to begin the polishing process. Hand-polishing is an effective method for achieving a smooth and even finish. Use a polishing wheel or a soft cloth to gently buff the surface of the frame, removing any scratches, discolouration, or blemishes. Take your time with this step, as rushing may lead to uneven results.
Finishing Polish:
After hand-polishing, apply an ultrafine finishing polish to the frames. This step will help restore the sheen and lustre of the recycled plastic, giving it a brand-new appearance. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying the finishing polish for the best results.
Reassembly and Final Touches:
After polishing, carefully reassemble the frame, reattaching the lenses and any badges or decorations. Heat-treat and reshape the frame if necessary to ensure a perfect fit. Finally, oil and tighten the hinges to ensure smooth and effortless movement.
Quality Check:
Before declaring your recycled plastic sunglasses ready for use, perform a final quality check. Ensure that the frames are free of any scratches, discolouration, or blemishes. Check that the hinges are functioning correctly and that the lenses are securely in place.
Packaging and Care Instructions:
Provide a protective case or pouch made from sustainable materials, such as recycled plastic bottles or fabric. Include a microfibre cleaning cloth to help the wearer keep their sunglasses in optimal condition. Additionally, provide care instructions advising the wearer to avoid exposing the sunglasses to extreme temperatures, chemicals, or abrasive materials, which may damage the polished finish.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make recycled plastic sunglasses by attending a workshop at Nest City Lab in Barcelona, hosted by FOS. The two-hour-long class teaches you how to design and handcraft your own unique pair of sunglasses from recycled plastic.
In the class, you will learn the basics of plastic, the importance of recycling plastic waste, how to use moulds, and how to craft, assemble, and polish your sunglasses. You will also get to choose a colour and select from five UV lens options.
If your recycled plastic sunglasses break, you can recycle the broken pair and get a replacement pair. FOS offers frame repairs, screw replacements, and lens restoration services.
