More conscious choices for your glasses 

It’s 2024, it is about time to open our eyes to the polluting side aspects of eyewear! These deceptively innocent necessities a lot of times contain nickel, copper and even plastic. These materials may be durable, but not necessarily in a good way this time. Being very hard to degrade in nature, they therefore end up contaminating the soil and affecting biodiversity. Are you looking for more conscious options for eyewear that are made with more environmental considerations? Then we have good news for you, the world of eyewear is increasingly mindful of adapting to greener practices! Several manufacturers are exploring the use of materials that are traceable and sourced locally. COSH! offers you a range of such better alternatives to explore.

Cirkels: upcycled eyewear from Belgium

What’s a more eco-friendly option than reusing existing eyeglass frames? When you visit one of the Cirkels stores, you will bump into a display full of eyeglass frames. See something you really like? Fill in an order form, and Cirkels will send the frame you chose to the local optician, who will recycle it into a new pair of multifocal or unifocal eyeglasses. The best part: you can order your spectacles not in one, but seven different stores in and around Mechelen en de Rupel region!

Den Brillenatelier: giving glasses a second life

Ever thought your old glasses could help someone see the world more clearly? At Den Brillenatelier, that’s exactly what happens. Located in the heart of Antwerp, Koen — fondly known as Den Brillenman—turns donated spectacle frames into custom prescription glasses, crafted with care for anyone in need.

Koen’s inspiring journey began with Eyes for the World, a project that brought clearer vision to communities across the globe. Now, his atelier combines this passion with sustainability, giving old frames a second life while creating opportunities for people with a distance to the traditional labour market.

Each pair of glasses is a true labour of love. Donated frames are carefully dismantled, sorted, and reused in Koen’s workshop in Mechelen, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. For every frame you donate, you’re not just reducing waste—you’re supporting local craftsmanship and meaningful employment.

Got an old pair lying around? Donate them at Kringwinkel shops, Cirkels, or Refaced stores. Together, we can give glasses — and people — a fresh start.

5Loops: Embrace a more sustainable style in eyewear in Grasbrunn, Germany

Dive into the world of 5Loops, where sustainability takes centre stage in eyewear fashion. Founded by twins Andrea and Caroline, inspired by their ophthalmological knowledge and a commitment to environmental responsibility, 5Loops offers a unique collection of glasses crafted with biodegradable BioAcetate S70 (certified by ISO-14855). Each pair reflects a dedication to reducing the environmental footprint, making a bold statement in sustainable fashion.

5Loops strives to repurpose and revitalize the eyewear industry. Embrace the distinctive charm of glasses that not only elevate your style but also contribute to a greener planet. Join 5Loops in the pursuit of sustainable elegance – a choice that resonates with both fashion-forward individuals and environmentally-conscious consumers.

Bidules: Unique and vintage glasses in Brussels near central station

Looking for a unique, vintage and sustainable pair of glasses? Bidules is the perfect store for you! The Bidules team travels around Europe in order to look for old glasses in attics, cellars, or old eyewear factories. The goal is to restore, repair and give them a new life, arguably making them more conscious than a new pair of glasses. 

Did you know that almost 100% of eyeglasses produced in Europe before the 1990s were known for their excellent quality? At Bidules, you’ll find unique, high-quality vintage frames, some of which are decades old. It’s amazing! If you don’t know what to do with your old glasses, bring them to Bidules or donate them to Lunette sans frontières.

Meet Optiek Uniek: eyewear that’s truly unique

Tired of cookie-cutter glasses? Say hello to Optiek Uniek, where individuality and sustainability shine. This boutique optician champions independent eyewear brands that prioritise ethical production and timeless design.

At Optiek Uniek, you’ll discover frames that elevate your look and align with your values. From vintage-inspired silhouettes to bold, contemporary designs, their curated collection reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and more sustainable practices. And it’s not just about aesthetics—these glasses are built to last, giving you style that stands the test of time.

Need a prescription or a quick fix? Optiek Uniek’s expert team offers personalised advice and optical services to ensure you leave with the perfect pair — and a smile.

For glasses that feel as good as they look, make your way to Optiek Uniek.

Seed Lunettes: Better glasses in Elsene (Brussels)

Seed lunettes, located in Brussels, offers eyeglasses and sunglasses from six European brands besides their own glasses. The frames are all made from materials that are recyclable or considered to be biodegradable, sourced mostly in Europe. In addition, the glasses are produced and assembled entirely in Europe.

For more details about the brand Seed, click here.

Come and discover the brand Friendly Frenchy at Seed lunettes. This French brand uses innovative materials that are considered organic, locally sourced and produced in France. These materials include ethically sourced scallops, and recycled organic grape seeds. The supply chain of Friendly Frenchy is very short, the glasses travel a short distance to land on your nose!

For more details about the brand Friendly Frenchy, click here.

Seed Lunettes also features Shelter Manufacture’s collection. Shelter Manufacture, also based in France, offers handcrafted glasses made by artisans from wood fibre, notable for being 100% recyclable and 80% biodegradable. All the wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests, aligning with FSC label standards. The brand values French craftsmanship, quality, and ethical working conditions. Managing their carbon footprint is an important goal, which is why all suppliers are located nearby.

To learn more about the brand Shelter Manufacture, click here.

Another brand to watch out for is SEA2SEE, sold at both SEED Lunettes and our next store – Optiek Cardoen, they craft their glasses from recycled marine plastic collected in Europe and West Africa. The brand partners with local fishermen to both clean oceans and empower coastal communities. With a 100% Italian production process, SEA2SEE is also certified as a B‑Corporation, emphasizing its dedication to quality and sustainability.

To learn more about the brand SEA2SEE, click here.

Discover Dizzy Optiek: where style meets sustainability

Looking for glasses that are as kind to the planet as they are stylish? Step into Dizzy Optiek, where quality and sustainability go hand in hand. This independent optician celebrates craftsmanship and originality, offering an exclusive selection of eyewear from small, ethically-minded brands.

What makes Dizzy stand out? It’s their commitment to more sustainable choices. This shop offers a carefully curated eyewear collection from small, independent brands. 
From frames crafted with innovative, less resource-intensive materials to their focus on durable design, Dizzy ensures every pair of glasses is a choice for the future. But it’s not just about the frames. With top-notch optical services and personal attention, they’re redefining what it means to shop for eyewear.

Whether you’re after a bold statement piece or timeless classics, Dizzy Optiek has options for every style, budget, and identity. It’s more than just glasses; it’s about finding frames that reflect your values.

Ready to see the world through a more sustainable lens? 

Optiek Cardoen: Exclusive eyewear in Beselare (near Ypres)

Are you in West Flanders and looking for sustainable glasses? Then Optiek Cardoen is the place to be! Francisca, an experienced optometrist and the store’s owner for over 30 years, offers a selection from a range of small European eyewear brands, to big global sustainable eyewear brands. A common theme is that all these brands have an interest in sustainable production methods using recycled or bio-based materials. Fun fact: each frame is only available once in the store! This way, you are sure to go home with a unique pair of glasses.

Optiek Cardoen houses many brands, one of them being Funk Eyewear, founded by a designer duo handcrafting each piece in their own facility in Bavaria, with locally sourced materials. Committed to sustainability, FUNK embraces natural cotton acetate frames and metals like titanium. Some collections also incorporate dried natural materials. The brand’s circular approach involves repurposing cut-outs and utilizing vintage editions, emphasizing their dedication to minimizing waste.

To learn more about the brand Funk Eyewear, click here.

At Optiek Cardoen you can also find Eco Eyewear. Located in the US, they create frames from bio acetate, recycled metals, and ocean plastics. Their commitment extends to eco-friendly practices, such as sponsoring ocean clean-ups and using the collected plastic for frame production. Notably, their One Frame, One Tree program has planted over 3.3 million trees, making them a brand dedicated to balancing quality, durability, and eco-conscious fashion.

To learn more about the brand Eco Eyewear, click here.

Another notable brand sold at Optiek Cardoen is Folc, based in Barcelona with the frames handcrafted in Italy, this is a brand that embraces a short chain by sourcing all their materials locally as well. They utilize cellulosic acetate sourced from trees, wood dust, and cotton seeds, for their frame materials. The brand’s circular business model also includes repair services. 

To learn more about the brand Folc, click here.

Optiek Kristien: Discover distinctive eyewear in the heart of Hasselt

Looking for cool, distinctive glasses in Hasselt? Head over to Optiek Kristien! Kristien’s got a knack for special eyewear and her shop is all about it. From unique frames made with recycled materials to being the go-to place for recycling old glasses and contacts, she’s got it covered. It’s all about finding your perfect, one-of-a-kind pair, but also feeling good about your choice aligning with environmental considerations. Swing by and see what’s in store – you’re in for a treat!

One of the brands housed at Optiek Kristien is Monoqool, a Danish eyewear trailblazer specializing in 3D-printed designs. Nestled in the scenic north of Copenhagen, Monoqool 3D prints their frames, crafted from 85% recycled surgical stainless steel. Monoqool’s dedication to ultimate comfort is evident in the design of ultra-thin, lightweight frames, promising lasting durability.

To learn more about the brand Monoqool, click here.

Indulge in the sophistication of Oscar Magnuson also sold at Optiek Kristien, a Stockholm-based high-end eyewear label merging contemporary art, design, fashion, and music. Handcrafted in Italy, the label uses bio-acetate frames sourced from FSC-protected wood pulp, bio-nylon lenses from castor oil, and vegetable-tanned leather cases sourced locally from Swedish tanneries. The label’s short supply chain within Western Europe emphasizes reduced CO2 emissions. Oscar Magnuson’s retro-inspired frames showcase longevity and quality, each a unique piece of art.

To learn more about the brand Oscar Magnuson, click here.

At Optiek Kristien, discover the vibrancy of Binôche, a Belgian eyewear brand that crafts funky glasses for every personality. Designed in Antwerp and manufactured in France and Italy, Binôche collaborates closely with production companies to create handmade pieces of high quality. Binôche’s frames, made from metal and acetate, offer a touch of eco-consciousness. Fully recyclable materials make their products circular. Binôche celebrates eyewear as individual expressions of art.

To learn more about the brand Binôche, click here.

Also at Optiek Kristien, step into the world of enduring style and innovation with Blackfin, an Italian brand founded in 1971. Specializing in sleek recyclable metal frames crafted from Japanese titanium, the brand seamlessly fuses Italian artistry with technical expertise. The brand’s headquarters and factory reside in a consciously designed building, reflecting their dedication to sustainability across the board. Hypoallergenic pure titanium ensures a distinctive style that withstands the test of time.

To learn more about the brand Blackfin, click here.

Do you want to catch someone’s eye with conscious and trendy eyeglasses or sunglasses? Refer to this guide to discover our selection of more ethical and conscious stores and brands, and find more such brands on our COSH! shopping platform!