We might be biased, but we believe we live and work in the most beautiful place in the world and we want to keep it that way!
We try to minimise our impact by:
We try to minimise our impact by:
- Choosing high quality frames & lenses with a longer lifespan
- Providing comprehensive repair services and re-glazing existing frames
- Minimizing in-house waste and packaging
- Choosing recyclable packaging
- Utilizing the RED Cycle program for postage & courier satchels
- Choosing green energy supply with Powershop
- Relaying consumer pressure to our suppliers to encourage them to improve their practices
- Favouring suppliers that focus on eco friendly production
- Regular servicing of our lab and eyecare equipment to maximize it's lifespan
- Choosing to repair rather than replace equipment
Here is what our suppliers have told us when we asked what they are doing at their end.
Shamir Lenses - Australian Lens Manufacturer using Satisloh Equipment
Anne et Valentin - Frame Designer & Manufacturer
Shamir Lenses - Australian Lens Manufacturer using Satisloh Equipment
- “A United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) decision to phase out the global use of mercury by 2020 has ignited conversation about the future use of other materials, among them cadmium and lead, which are components of alloy. Within the eye health industry, alloy has long been used as a blocking material in the manufacture of ophthalmic lenses. While some of the world’s larger ophthalmic companies have recently committed to phasing out the use of alloy as a blocking material, Satisloh is well ahead of the game, having introduced the first alloy-free production process for ophthalmic lenses .”
- I am excited that you are taking such a positive environmental stance. VS Eyewear has also been looking at more environmental and sustainable options across many areas of our company.
With frames, we have been investigating different recycled and eco acetate products and have ordered a number of new eco acetate models for both our Van Staveren and Marc Vincent collections. In regards to packaging we reuse/recycle our boxes where possible. We have been phasing out bubble wrap and have just replaced it with a recycled brown paper product. Research is also under way in regard to ecofriendly frame bags, I will fill you in when I know more! We also reuse these, so I am happy to take any clear frame bags from you next visit for this purpose. The warehouse will be getting upgraded shortly and solar power will be added to assist there.
- Good morning Stephanie,
Thank you for your email and sorry for the delay! Your question is a valid one, but one that has not been asked before, to me anyway.
Thus, I will put the question to our suppliers and pass on their answers to you.
One answer I think I can pre-empt is the reference to product quality and the respective life time of the products they produce. In particular ic! berlin (a brand you do not carry) stands out. If treated reasonably well, these stainless-steel frames will outlast a few scripts.
As to EYEMAKERS: We try do to our bit, by using Green Power in our office, by consequently re-using packaging and by reducing the amount of travel. The latter would be among the biggest carbon issues in this industry. Hundreds of reps travelling in cars or by plane every day.
Thank you again for your initiative, I am curious to hear from our suppliers.
Anne et Valentin - Frame Designer & Manufacturer
- Thank you for your email below. After discussing it internally please see below some elements that we can safely share about our ecological consciousness and actions :
- We do our best to use local suppliers whenever it is possible, currently using Italian acetates and make most of our collection in France to boost local economy and avoid unnecessary shipping around the world. Only our titanium line is made in Japan because there are no manufacturing options for titanium in France.
- In regards of factories sustainability engagements, these are still pretty new and the three factories we are working with are currently developing theirs charts about the topic. I will send you further information when available
- We are creating and building our own furniture in house through our design and workshop. This furniture is used to supply our own stores and make the booth we use during tradeshows.
- Our booth for tradeshows is always reusable. Once the show is finished we dismantle it and store it in our warehouse in Toulouse before reusing it. We try to reduce trade show wastage as much as possible. This point is extremely important to us as tradeshows are producing a very high amount of wastage that needs control.
- At the office we are not using any disposable tableware, straws or cups.
- We are conscious about international travels and do it only when necessary. Obviously that part has been easier under COVID 19 restrictions.
- In order to make our head quarter’s offices more efficient we are currently working on a big project of renovation. This is only at the design approval stages but during that project the energy efficiency of our building is at the centre of the discussion.
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