Folc

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.

Folc uses cellulosic acetate, which is a modified natural polymer, sourced from certain trees, wood dust, and cotton seeds. This is a sustainable alternative to the conventional plastic materials normally used for eyewear. We, however, do not have information regarding the metal components used for the eyewear, or the packaging material used by the brand. 

Folc has a circular business model as they offer repair services at a cost, and acetate being a fully recyclable material makes all the eyewear circular products as well. 

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. That being said, the brand would do well to provide information regarding their transportation methods. 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.

This brand uses high quality materials for products hand-crafted carefully in Italy. Folc is the definition of slow fashion, starting production 10 – 12 months before putting the collection on the market. They produce in small numbers, and being hand-made, every product is unique. They also provide repair services, making sure the products stay in use for as long as possible. 

COSH! commends Folc for being very transparent, providing us with exact names of their sourcing facilities, which makes it possible for us to trace the products all the way back to the location of the raw material sourcing. We would however love to see more information regarding their metal materials, packaging materials, and transportation methods.