CHRISTIAN WIJNANTS
World's first sunglasses made from recycled acrylic.
A collaboration between Christian Wijnants and Yuma Labs
In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, fashion designers are constantly looking for new ways to create eco-friendly products. One such collaboration is between Belgian designer Christian Wijnants and Yuma Labs. Together, we have created the world's first sunglasses made from recycled acrylic.
Acrylic, also known as polyacrylonitrile, is a synthetic polymer that is often used in the fashion industry for its durability and versatility. However, it is not a biodegradable material, which can make it problematic for the environment. By using recycled acrylic, Christian Wijnants and Yuma Labs have found a way to create a stylish and durable product while also reducing the environmental impact.
The acrylic is made from 30% consumer waste and 70% pre-consumer waste, the fabric waste. The sunglasses are not only made from recycled material, but they are also completely recyclable as well after their usage.
This co-creation between the creative team of Christian Wijnants and Yuma Labs, is one of the 20 unique collabs under the name of A/Part, the initiative following the reopening of the Momu. It shows the fashion of eye-shades through a different lens.
Design & Production
Sunglasses
The material name is PMMA, but is 100% recycled from display stands, optical waveguides and optical lenses. The recycled acrylic is made from 30% consumer waste and 70% pre-consumer waste, the factory waste. The sunglasses are made from recycled materials and are completely recyclable as well after their usage.
Packaging
The sunglasses includes a case, that is made from FSC certified paper, and a cleaning cloth made from recycled PET plastic.
Recycling
Once the sunglasses have served their purpose, customers can send them back to Yuma Labs. The frames can be disassembled and fully recycled. Thanks to the molecular recycling process, we can make the same material again without losing its quality.
Production
The sunglasses are made in an independently owned eyewear factory in the northern part of Italy. Their mission is delivering the finest eyewear, produced from the finest materials. All frames are developed with precise attention to the design and produced with advanced technology by highly trained people.
The factory takes care of the land and the planet, because all the energy that they use in their offices and production facilities comes 100% from renewable-energy produced in a wind farm in Sicily. Next to that they have all the certifications they need to produce sunglasses from recycled materials.
The principle of circularity
Yuma Labs, a company that produces sustainable eyewear, under the brand’s own label and in collaboration with fashion houses all over the world, following the principle of circularity. Thanks to the use of waste, we maximize our efforts to create a closed loop where a product loses as little value as possible. If the sunglasses wear out after years of enjoyment, you can return them free of charge. Afterwards, they will be recycled again, staying away from landfills. Yuma Labs wants to send a clear message of sustainability. The collaboration with Christian Wijnants turned out to be an ideal match to transform this mission into a fashionable story.
With this unique collaboration, we hope to spark the conversation about circularity and offer an alternative, far away from excess and fast-consumption. By using recycled materials, we are able to create fashionable products while also reducing waste and pollution. This is a trend that we hope to see more of in the fashion industry as it is important to be conscious of the choices we make in what we buy, and the impact it has on the environment.
The collection
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