How do recycled materials contribute to Eco’s identity?
Eco utilises a wide range of sustainable materials that go beyond recycled metal and ocean plastic to include bio-acetate and bio-based plastic. These materials are also used for the clip-on sun lenses, which are compatible with all frames made from recycled metal. All of our materials ensure maximum comfort, lightness, and durability. Additionally, we incorporate recycled materials in our pOp displays and packaging. Even Eco’s demo lenses are made from 99% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable themselves.

What sustainable features define the latest collection?
While the frames are still crafted from the same sustainable materials mentioned earlier, each season we continue to enhance them. The latest collection is made from a lightweight injection-moulded material derived from castor seed oil. This not only ensures a comfortable fit but also reduces material waste. Unlike traditional acetate frames, which generate significant scrap waste, the Retrospect collection has been meticulously designed with efficiency and environmental responsibility in mind. What sets it apart is the material’s texture and appearance, which closely resemble traditional acetate. The design itself blends a timeless aesthetic with vintage-inspired details, making it a standout addition to Eco’s sustainable eyewear offerings.

How has the brand's approach to sustainability evolved over time?
In addition to the product, we focused on connecting the brand to a tangible action that empowers our customers. We do this through our One Frame, One Tree initiative, which allows our customers to plant a tree for every frame purchased. We have reached the incredible milestone of 3.8 million trees planted, a result that has helped the brand achieve Carbon negative status, an important achievement for us. Our Eco Ocean collection features frames made from recycled ocean plastic, created in collaboration with Waste Free Oceans, an NGO we work with daily, also sponsoring major clean-up operations in the Dominican Republic and Tanzania. Today, being sustainable for brands cannot just mean creating eco-friendly products; it must be a strong commitment that involves our customers as part of a community.

What future goals does eyewear from recycled material still need to achieve?
We feel that we’ve really ticked all the boxes. We offer a product that doesn’t compromise on quality, durability, comfort, and design, and which is both on-trend and premium, while remaining competitive with eyewear made from virgin materials. We diversify our recycling sources by using ocean plastic and metals, and we integrate biodegradable and bio-based materials as well. We are constantly improving our material traceability systems to guarantee the origin and quality of recycled materials, and we hold globally recognised sustainability certifications. Last but not least, we offer a product at a great price point, which is very important to us in making sustainability accessible to everyone. 

What sensations do you hope people experience when wearing Eco eyewear?
We hope they feel that they’ve made a difference, because they truly have. We aim to give people the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the environment through a simple choice.

How does the world appear through the lenses of Eco eyewear?
Certainly, the view of the future is brighter. Eco has always taken environmental issues seriously but with a sense of lightness, and this positive attitude is at the core of our philosophy.

Photo above: Giovanni Lo Faro, Modo Eyewear CEO

Originally published on Eyebook 33, January 2025