Seed

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Belgium
• France

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

All of Seed’s production is EU-based, where strict labour laws apply. Frames are handmade in Belgium, ensuring artisanal quality and direct oversight of workplace conditions. Having its own atelier allows Seed to guarantee fairer and safer working conditions, while using select suppliers (mainly Belgium and France), gives greater opportunity towards transparency and control over production.

No information on inclusivity in their workforce or campaigns is provided, but their model promotes local employment.

MATERIALS 

• Wood
• Recycled plastic

Wood is sourced from the Sonian Forest in Brussels results in eyewear that produces 58 times less CO2 than a low-cost plastic frame imported from China, as measured by a sustainable consulting service called Polygones. Recycled plastic is collected from local waste streams while lenses sourced are from France and recycled paper and cardboard for cases and boxes in packaging. These choices avoid petrochemicals, mining, and toxic substances. 

PACKAGING 

Recycled paper and cardboard are used for their cases and transportation boxes. Seed does not disclose what packaging materials are used for direct shipments.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Seed embraces a conscious ethos by utilizing wood and recycled plastic to minimize environmental impact. Certified natural materials are integral to Seed’s manufacturing process, steering away from petrochemicals and mining. The brand is committed to a chemical-free approach, prioritizing the elimination of toxic substances from their production line. Beyond the eyewear, Seed extends its sustainability practices to its shop/​atelier in Belgium, constructed from recycled materials sourced from Rotor Deconstruction. The brand recycles all water used in lens cutting and ensures zero waste in production by sending waste back to the plastic factory for reuse. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Seed actively contributes to the circular economy by incorporating recycled plastic into their eyewear. They recycle 100% of the water used in the lens cutting process and the return of production waste to the plastic factory for reuse, keeping it out of landfills. All materials used are easily recyclable, and Seed encourages customers to recognize the value in their old, broken, or outdated glasses.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

The brand offer their pieces a second life by providing recycling and repair services.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

• Production locations: Belgium (frames), France (lenses)
• Seed’s HQ is located in Brussels

Seed proudly maintains a short and localized supply chain, emphasizing the exclusivity of their eyewear production in Belgium. The wood, sourced from Brussels’ Sonian Forest, and recycled plastic, derived from Brussels’ waste, reflect the brand’s commitment to sourcing materials close to home. Lenses from France add another layer to the European-based supply network.

TRANSPORTATION 

To reduce its environmental impact, Seed employs bike transportation within the supply chain and for local deliveries. This choice ensures that Seed’s eyewear reaches its destination with minimal transportation emissions.

No details given on e‑commerce transport methods.

The brand does not use any animal derived products, theoretically making it vegan.

PRODUCT DESIGN 

Seed creates handmade glasses for adults, designed for longevity. They focus on timeless styles rather than seasonal trends, that can worn for years.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

Seed does not release seasonal collections, instead it maintains a steady collection to which they gradually add new designs. The brand does not take part in sales periods and products are not made-to-order, but made in small, controlled quantities.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT

The website provides clear details on materials used (wood, recycled plastic, recycled cardboard) and product origin (Belgium and France). Products are traceable to their atelier in Brussels, giving consumers a high level of certainty about origin.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

Seed openly explains their supply chain and circular methods on their website.

No annual sustainability report published, but their communication is particularly open for a small brand.