5Loops

Meet Andrea and Caroline, twin sisters hailing from the coastal beauty of Lima, Peru. They shared a childhood intertwined with nature’s wonders. But as they ventured across the globe, their eyes opened to the devastating impact of pollution on our planet. Andrea, an ophthalmologist, couldn’t ignore the issue. She turned to her sister for support, and together, they created ​“5Loops” – a brand that marries sustainability and style in the eyewear industry.

Their approach is holistic, considering the entire lifecycle of eyewear production. All this without compromising on style or comfort. This is what sets 5Loops apart.

5Loops is on a mission to make sustainability a central focus, aiming for a circular economy model. Here’s how they plan to do it:

Bio Acetate S70: Instead of conventional materials, 5Loops opts for Bio Acetate S70, a substance derived from cellulose, specifically sourced from wood pulp or cotton. This material stands out because it boasts a higher cellulose content than regular acetate, which typically relies on chemical additives like plasticisers (phthalates). These additives can be harmful, posing risks to reproductive health and general well-being. Moreover, conventional acetate contributes to the alarming problem of ocean microplastics. In contrast, Bio Acetate S70 contains fewer chemicals, prioritising bio-based ingredients, and is biodegradable. This means it poses no toxic threat and doesn’t add to the ocean microplastics issue.

The Ideal Raw Material: 5Loops has deliberately chosen to use Bio Acetate S70 exclusively in producing their eyewear. This material ticks all the right boxes: it’s renewable, recyclable, sustainable, biodegradable, and bio-based. These qualities make it the perfect choice for crafting glasses that are stylish and environmentally friendly. It’s a safe material for everyone, including children, providing the confidence that its production leaves no detrimental impact on the environment.

Waste Reduction: To minimise waste, 5Loops employs a smart production method. Their glasses are crafted using moulds, significantly reducing the amount of waste generated compared to traditional acetate sheeting. Even the glass chains, a vital component of their eyewear, are predominantly made using moulds, with only the ​‘ring’ that holds the glasses cut from sheeting. This choice ensures efficiency and minimal waste.

Eco-Friendly Packaging: It doesn’t stop at the eyewear itself. 5Loops extends its commitment to sustainability to its packaging materials. Boxes, cases, and cleaning cloths are all crafted from recycled materials, making them environmentally responsible and fully recyclable through industrial processes.

A circular economy model is at the core of 5Loops’ brand identity. Once you’re 5Loops frames need replacement, you can send them back. Depending on their condition, they’ll breathe new life into these frames through refurbishing, composting, or recycling. It’s not just about minimising waste; it’s about giving these frames a second chance to shine. Even better, some of these frames may be earmarked to support social initiatives in Peru, creating a positive ripple effect.

But the circular economy doesn’t stop at frames. 5Loops extends this philosophy to their accessories. Their cases and cleaning cloths are crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottles (RPET). This means they’re eco-friendly and fully compatible with existing plastic recycling systems. It’s a testament to their commitment to sustainability, where even the smallest components are considered with a green mindset.

5Loops manufactures its eyewear in Chinese factories and subsequently ships the finished products to its warehouse in Germany, from where they are distributed to customers. While their production line may not be short regarding geographical distance, they are steadfast in their commitment to sustainability.

They have taken proactive measures to ensure that every aspect of 5Loops’ production aligns with their sustainability goals. They’ve enlisted the services of a company to conduct regular audits and inspections at their Chinese factories. These audits are crucial to ensure transparency and uphold their sustainability standards.

However, they acknowledge that the current landscape makes producing Bio Acetate S70 glasses in Europe challenging, primarily due to limitations in the availability and affordability of raw materials. Their aim is to relocate the production of 5Loops eyewear to Europe in the near future. This strategic move is driven by their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and further aligning their production processes with their sustainability objectives.

For all the animal lovers out there, rest assured – 5Loops is entirely vegan. Their Bio Acetate S70 is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making it a win for both you and the planet.

5Loops frames are built to withstand the test of time, thanks to the use of cellulose acetate. This means that your 5Loops frames won’t warp or become brittle over the years. These glasses are designed to last, ensuring they remain a reliable part of your style and vision for years to come.

But 5Loops goes beyond just providing quality eyewear. Their commitment extends to giving back and making a positive impact. There’s a meaningful option if you no longer use your ​“old” 5Loops glasses. You can send them back to 5Loops, and they will put these glasses to good use. How? By refurbishing them and then directing them to communities in need in Peru. These refurbished glasses improve vision and create a foundation for education and prosperity, making a real difference in people’s lives.

It’s worth noting that 5Loops’ founders have deep ties to Peru, which is where their initiative begins. However, their ultimate goal is to expand their reach across South America as swiftly as possible.

5Loops is all about transparency. When it comes to their operations, they have nothing to hide. In fact, they’ve opened up to COSH!, and we had candid conversations with the founders, Andrea and Caroline. These discussions provided a wealth of insights into their production processes and their materials.

What sets 5Loops apart is their recognition that achieving 100% sustainability is a challenging journey. They strive to improve daily, taking steps towards their sustainability goals.