We’re always looking for ways to do better.
We believe small improvements can make a difference over time.
Materials
ACETATE RENEW
Our eyewear material is made from Mazzucchelli 1849, Italy with Acetate Renew and handmade in southern China (AY Studios is ISCC PLUS Certified). Acetate Renew is born thanks to Eastman’s innovative Carbon Renewal Technology. This technology is a chemical recycling process which consists of breaking down plastic waste into primary molecules which are the main elements for the production of acetic anhydride.
Acetic anhydride reacts with cellulose to produce cellulose acetate. The result is a cellulose acetate composed of 60% bio based and 40% certified recycled content. Therefore, this process creates a 100% sustainable acetate flake using the waste normally sent to landfills, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. (Acetate Renew produces -20% -50% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional acetate). Read about Acetate Renew from Mazzucchelli 1849 in Italy, click here.
RECYCLED NYLON
Our travel bag collection is handmade from 90% recycled pre-consumer polyamide (nylon), giving high-quality materials a new purpose while reducing waste. By using recycled nylon, we combine durability, functionality, and timeless design with a more responsible approach to material sourcing. Every bag is carefully handcrafted to ensure exceptional quality and attention to detail. Our recycled nylon is certified to meet recognized industry standards. To learn more about the certification, click here.
We need to leave behind a world worth exploring — also for future generations.
THE OCEAN CLEANUP
Protecting the oceans is a cause that matters deeply to us. That's why we make a monthly donation to The Ocean Cleanup, supporting their mission to remove plastic from the world's oceans and rivers while preventing more plastic from reaching the sea. Through our annual contribution, we help support the interception of approximately 16,000 plastic bottles from rivers each year. Every purchase helps support this ongoing commitment.
We also make thoughtful choices about the materials we use. Approximately 28% of our sunglasses are made from recycled acetate or bioplastic, our travel bags are made from 90% recycled nylon, and our cleaning cloths are made from recycled PET bottles, helping reduce the use of virgin materials. While we know there is always more to be done, we believe that small, consistent actions can contribute to meaningful change over time.
To read more about the project, click here.
Manufactures and
Circularity
MANUFACTURES
We work closely with trusted manufacturing partners in southern China who share our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and responsible production. Our handmade sunglasses are carefully crafted by hand at a factory that holds both BSCI and ISCC certifications, reflecting high standards for social responsibility and sustainable practices.
We visit the factory once or twice each year to maintain a close relationship with our partner and ensure our quality standards are consistently met. You can learn more about our certifications by clicking here.
Our bags are produced by a family-owned factory in southern China, run by a dedicated husband-and-wife team. Their attention to detail and craftsmanship make them a valued partner. We visit the factory annually to strengthen our collaboration and ensure every product meets our expectations for quality.
TOWARDS CIRCULARITY
We're always looking for better materials and better ways of doing things. Where possible, we choose alternatives with a lower environmental impact, work to reduce waste, and use more recycled materials across our products and packaging. We do this in close collaboration with our suppliers.
We know there's still a long way to go, and we don't have all the answers. But we're committed to making better choices, one step at a time.