Oscar Magnuson

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Italy
• Sweden

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

This label conducts its production in Italy, where the frames are all handmade. The brand also sources leather from a local Swedish tannery, and claims to conduct all sourcing within Europe. This ensures that all the facilities within the supply chain follow strict EU regulations regarding ethical production. 

MATERIALS 

• Bio-acetate
• Bio-nylon
• leather

The frames are made using bio-acetate, which is a cellulosic material and a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic frames. Bio-acetate is created from wood pulp sourced from plantations protected by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and the brand uses frames that are supposedly 100% biodegradable. They also provide a document detailing how and why the frames are biodegradable. The lenses used by the brand are bio-nylon, which is a resin made from castor oil, not using any harmful products such as BPA or phthalate. 

The frames are then cased in organic, vegetable tanned leather, which also avoids harmful tanning chemicals. 

PACKAGING 

The brand states they use minimalist packaging to reduce their waste as much as possible, but does not specify the material of the shipping packaging. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Oscar Magnuson emphasises the use of sustainable materials such as bio-based acetate derived from wood and cotton fibres, and natural colour pigments for frames. While these material choices reduces reliance on fossil-based plastics and potentially avoids harmful synthetic dyes, the brand does not provide specific details on chemical management practices during production or water consumption in manufacturing. No certifications or supplier policies on restricted substances are mentioned. As a result, it’s unclear how chemicals are monitored across the supply chain or whether water-saving techniques are applied in acetate production or assembly processes.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

Oscar Magnuson assures us that their eyewear is 100% recyclable and/​or biodegradable, making all the products circularly oriented. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS

Oscar Magnuson does not offer repair, take-back, resale, or rental services on its site. The brand states its focus is currently on durable materials and minimalist design to reduce waste.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

• Sweden, Italy

Oscar Magnuson is located in Sweden, and conducts all its production and sourcing in the Western European region, keeping the supply chain very short to reduce their CO2 emissions. 

TRANSPORTATION 

The brand does not mention their transportation methods, which would make a huge impact on their emissions regardless of the length of the chain. However, high-emission transportation methods such as air transport for this label’s supply chain can likely be ruled out due to the close proximity of the material sourcing and production countries.

Oscar Magnuson does use leather for its cases, but according to the brand and its sourcing facility, they only use leather that is a by-product of the meat industry. This rules out animal-cruelty. 

PRODUCT DESIGN 

Oscar Magnuson creates retro inspired, chunky, bold frames that still hold the clean, contemporary lines of a classic pair of glasses. This brand ensures that the buyer gets a product worth their money by using high quality products, built to last a long time if used properly. They state their eco-lenses are designed to block 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC, and are lightweight and hypoallergenic. Being handmade, these glasses are a product of slower fashion principle where each frame is unique

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

Information about the frequency of collection drops, limited editions, or anti-overproduction strategies is not provided on the brand’s website.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

Oscar Magnuson’s product pages include detailed sizing guidance regarding frame width, nose fit and material info. However, manufacturing batch, supply chain mapping, or cost breakdowns are not mentioned.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

Oscar Magnuson provides details about their materials, processes, and suppliers. We would love to also see more details regarding their Italian production facility, packaging materials, and transportation methods.