Award-winning sustainable eyewear brand, Project Green is designed for environmentally conscious individuals and practices.
The collection blends high-quality bioacetates, compostable demonstration lenses, and innovative hinge designs to create sustainable eyewear that doesn’t compromise on quality or style. And it’s all brought together with a powerful initiative that supports environmental rejuvenation.
mivision spoke to Lisa Wymond, National Brands Manager at Project Green’s distributor Eyes Right Optical, to get the inside story on this increasingly popular brand.
“With Project Green, they’re really empowering individuals to make a positive impact on the planet while expressing their personal style,” Ms Wymond said as we sat down to chat.
“From a design perspective, what excites me is that Project Green is an eco-friendly luxury eyewear range for women and men with beautiful shapes, colours, and exquisite attention to detail. An example of this attention to detail is the subtle leaf pattern embedded in the end tips of the temples.
“The added bonus is that the collection is made with environmentally friendly materials and zero-waste manufacturing, Also, one tree is planted for every frame sold via the not-for profit One Tree Planted. Since it’s launch in September last year, Project Green has planted over 3,500 trees with One Tree Planted.”
Ms Wymond said this “unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability draws patients to the brand and resonates with practices, which is reflected in the excellent sell through of the range at practices”.
A GROWING FOLLOWING
Project Green’s typical customer is fashionforward and environmentally conscious. Socially aware, they’re concerned about the impact of their consumption on the planet and looking to support brands that prioritise sustainability and social responsibility.
“While the Project Green customer really appreciates the brand’s commitment to implementing environmental initiatives, they also value high-quality, design-oriented products,” Ms Wymond said.
By combining impeccable standards of craftsmanship, using high quality materials sourced from industry leaders like Mazzucchelli acetate, and maintaining an environmental focus, Project Green meets the criteria that patients are looking for. It also meets the highest expectations of industry, having been bestowed an Award of Excellence in 2023, in the Sustainability category at O=Mega23 in Melbourne.
That award, presented by the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) “underscores Project Green’s innovative approach to sustainable design and its dedication to making a positive impact on the planet”, Ms Wymond said.
“It also reflects Project Green’s leadership in promoting environmental responsibility while delivering high-quality, stylish eyewear… it really is a trailblazer in sustainable fashion, setting a standard for the industry to follow.”
ICONIC BUTTERNUT
Asked to nominate an iconic Project Green style, Ms Wymond had no hesitation in highlighting the model ‘Butternut’.
“Butternut has emerged as a best seller, captivating customers with its versatile shape, beautiful colour, and meticulous attention to detail,” she explained.
“The design of Butternut appeals to a wide range of individuals, and the gorgeous colour adds a touch of elegance. The patented Italian hinge ensures durability and functionality, enhancing the overall quality of the eyewear. Additionally, the signature leaf detail on the end tips adds a unique and organic element, reflecting the focus of Project Green and further elevating the Butternut’s appeal.”
AN EXPANDING MARKET SEGMENT
While the sustainable eyewear category remains niche, it is growing rapidly and with that, manufacturing processes are expanding, enabling new colours, styles, and shapes to be created.
With Project Green committed to the luxury eco-friendly eyewear segment, Ms Wymond said she is privileged to witness these continuous innovations in production.
“Originally, bio-degradable acetate colour options that are high quality were quite limited but as the segment grows, the colour offerings are growing too. This is great progress, and we will see the variety of colours within the range increase further in future releases.
“Project Green is dedicated to continuously advancing its sustainability and is constantly looking at new and innovative ways to minimise its environmental impact. Frames are manufactured by factories that specialise in zero waste manufacturing with, for example, all the acetate cut offs from Project Green manufacturing, no matter how big or small, recycled for use in future acetate products, such as accessories,” Ms Wymond said.
“Looking ahead, there will be new shapes coming and also a new frame case is in the works that is made from cork, which is very cool.”
Ms Wymond said the brand continues to explore the use of sustainable materials, including bio acetates and recycled materials.
“There are plans in place to introduce new styles, shapes, colours with innovative features, and technologies to enhance functionality and user experience, such as advancements in hinge designs, acetates, and manufacturing techniques.”
By prioritising transparency, innovation, and collaboration, Project Green is committed to leading the way in high end sustainable eyewear and inspiring positive environmental change.
Contact: Eyes Right Optical (AUS) 03 9763 1333
