SEA2SEE is committed to ethical working conditions. Plastic collection is done in France, Spain, Ghana and Senegal. Here the brand works with local fishermen, who have a new source of income. For every 5kg the fishermen collect, they receive €1.
The frames are 100% made in Italy; they have the ITPI certificate. Everything takes place in Italy, from the design to the final steps in the production process and quality control.
SEA2SEE is also a certified B‑corporation with an impact score of 82.3. This organization helps companies integrate sustainable and ethical processes into the business. Starting from a score of 80, you can qualify as a B‑corp.
After collecting and separating the various plastic materials, their UPSEA™ plastic is upcycled. This material has the Cradle to Cradle™ Gold certification. Cradle to Cradle verifies the material’s material health, circular economy, renewable energy, water management and social justice. Each frame equals 1kg of collected and recycled marine plastic.
Also good to know is that the brand is part of Optic For Good, a French label that verifies ecological and social commitment in the eyewear sector.
SEA2SEE’s eyeglass cases are made of natural cork, and the eyeglass wipes are made of recycled PET plastic. The sugar cane boxes surrounding them are entirely biodegradable and printed with vegetable ink.
The brand also has the “Carbon Negative” certificate, offsetting its emissions with Dcycle. By investing in wind energy in Mexico, they contribute to the electricity supply of 700,000 households, reducing more emissions than they emit.
SEA2SEE uses 100% recycled materials for its eyewear, ensuring that materials stay longer in the circular chain. Unfortunately, recycling eyewear again is not yet very common in the industry. Hence, the chances of them getting a second life again depend on where you turn in your old glasses when you can no longer wear them. The glasses are not biodegradable because they are made of plastic.
The materials are collected in Europe and West Africa, and the eyeglass frames are produced in Italy. SEA2SEE’s supply chain is, therefore, relatively short. Only the steel supplier is unknown. The brand also makes watches. These are made in Switzerland.
SEA2SEE is PETA-approved vegan. Moreover, to make the frames, plastic is fished from the ocean, which benefits the lives of marine animals. Therefore, this brand is completely animal friendly!
Yes, SEA2SEE has timeless eyeglass frames. You can choose a shape and colour that looks great with your face and clothing style. This way, you can look through your new glasses for as long as possible.
SEA2SEE provides much insight into its production process and information about its partners on its website. Certificate numbers are also provided here. Exact factories, on the other hand, are not listed.
Conclusion
Looking for a new pair of prescription (sun)glasses? Stop by an optician on the map below and try on the frames near you! Who knows, you might soon have a pair of stylish glasses made from upcycled plastic from the sea.
