Folc

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Italy, Germany

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

This brand creates its designs in-house in their Barcelona studio, and conducts its production in Italy. The brand works with skilled Italian craftsmen, in-turn preserving local heritage and artisanal skills. The manufacturing facility located in North Italy abides to the high quality of European Health and Safety regulations. Their sun lenses are produced by world renowned German company Carl Zeiss, who strictly cover European (CE), American and Australian regulations for all the lenses. The metal components for the frames are made in Germany and Italy, which also follow EU’s regulations for ethical workplace practices. 

The brand also produces all of its publicity material in the same neighbourhood where their studio is located, supporting local businesses.

MATERIALS 

• Acetate
   

Folc uses cellulosic acetate, which is a modified natural polymer, sourced from certain trees, wood dust, and cotton seeds. This is a more sustainable alternative to the conventional plastic materials normally used for eyewear. The brand does not make any specific mention , regarding the metal components used for the eyewear. 

On some product pages, the brand mentions sunglasses come with a vegan leatherette case, however no details are made available about the material makeup of this component. 

PACKAGING

Folc does not disclose what packaging materials are used.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Folc does not disclose measures the company with regard to water usage, chemical management or applicable certifications.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Folc primarily uses a combination of acetate and metal components for its frames. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

Folc does offer repair services at a cost, and acetate being a fully recyclable material makes the eyewear tend toward circular products. The brand does not currently have a take-back or resale program, but states durability and repair are key components of their sustainability efforts.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

• Production locations: Italy, Germany
• (mention if the brand has a simple/​complex supply chain)
• Folc HQ is located in Barcelona (Poble Nou district)

The brand is located and conducts its design and marketing in Barcelona, and production in Italy. All material sourcing is also conducted in Italy and Germany, keeping the length of the supply chain very short and environmental footprint to a minimum. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Raw materials like acetate sheets are shipped from Italy to Germany for frame production. Finished products are then shipped primarily within Europe and internationally, however the brand does not provide detailed information on transportation modes or carbon reduction efforts for shipping. The method of transportation makes a huge difference in the brand’s emissions, regardless of the length of the supply chain. 

Folc does not use any animal materials in their products, making it a vegan brand in theory.

PRODUCT DESIGN 

Folc focuses on timeless, minimalist eyewear styles that blend classic and modern aesthetics. The product range primarily includes sunglasses and optical frames suitable for men and women. This brand uses high quality materials for products hand-crafted carefully in Italy.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

They produce in small numbers, and being hand-made, every product is unique. The brand states it starts designing and creating each collection 10 to 12 months in advance, before proceeding to manufacturing prototypes and choosing colours and materials. Folc also provide repair services, making sure the products stay in use for as long as possible. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

Materials used as well as production and design country of origin are listed on Folc’s product pages. It is not possible to trace products to specific production sites or batch information. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES

Folc’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and durable materials reflects a slow fashion philosophy. By producing in limited quantities and focusing on repairability, the brand seeks to avoid overproduction. The brand states their eyewear is designed to last years rather than seasons, supporting sustainable consumption habits. We would however love to see more information regarding their metal materials, packaging materials, and transportation methods.