Challenge
Sunglasses serve as essential protective eyewear in daily life; however, millions are lost or damaged annually. Most frames are manufactured using polluting, non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastics, which remain in the environment and exacerbate the microplastic pollution issue. Stella McCartney seeks to address this issue through her innovative luxury brand, which is committed to producing high-quality and attractive products while minimizing environmental impact.
Approach
Stella McCartney partnered with Mango Materials and collaborated with Thelios, a specialist in molding sunglasses, to identify the most suitable grade of YOPP+ pellets for manufacturing. Stella McCartney’s designers developed the frame designs for the upcoming COP28 showcase.
Material selection rationale
Sunglasses frames require ductility and shape retention, so YOPP/YOPP+ HT-102 was chosen. After testing several designs, the Stella McCartney team selected a sporty frame presented at the Sustainable Market during COP28 in Dubai.
Outcome
Stella McCartney is a huge advocate for the transition from petroleum-based and animal products to those that are more environmentally friendly. Her fashion line is vegan based, and she continues to collaborate with many innovative materials’ producers to find the right materials with the least impact.
“These bad ugly businesses are getting the tax breaks; they’re getting the incentives..Your business should be getting paid all of that benefit to be making them clean”
Stella McCartney addressing CEO Molly Morse during a CNN interview
