BIO BASED & CASTOR SEED SUNNIES
How are Bio-Acetate Sunglasses Made
Our bio-acetate frame material contains plant-derived cellulose sourced from wood pulp and cotton. Here is an overview of how that material is transformed into eyewear frames.
1. Sourcing the Cellulose
Cellulose is a structural component found in plants. Wood pulp and cotton provide the cellulose used in producing the frame material.
2. Creating Cellulose Acetate
The cellulose is purified and chemically processed into cellulose acetate, which forms the basis of the material used for the frames.
3. Blending the Material
The cellulose acetate is combined with plasticisers to adjust its flexibility and workability. Colours and patterns are introduced to create the desired appearance.
4. Shaping and Finishing
The material is shaped into frame components, then finished and polished to create smooth surfaces and bring out its colours and patterns.
5. Assembling the Eyewear
The frame components are assembled with hinges and fitted with lenses. The completed eyewear is checked for fit, finish and alignment.
About the Material
“Plant-derived cellulose” describes an ingredient in the frame material. It does not describe the entire pair of sunglasses or mean that the finished eyewear is plastic-free, biodegradable or compostable.
How are Castor Oil Sunglasses Made
SOEK® castor seed oil sunglasses use a frame material containing components derived from castor oil.
Below is an overview of the production process.
1. Castor Seeds
Seeds from the castor plant, Ricinus communis, provide the oil used as a raw ingredient in producing the frame material.
2. Oil Extraction and Refining
Castor oil is extracted from the seeds and refined in preparation for further processing.
3. Material Production
Through chemical processing, castor-oil-derived components are used to produce a polymer. The resulting frame material is prepared for shaping.
4. Frame Shaping and Assembly
The material is shaped into frame components, finished and assembled with lenses, hinges and other parts to create the completed eyewear.
Understanding the Material
The castor-oil-derived content relates to the frame material, rather than the entire pair of sunglasses. It does not mean the finished eyewear is entirely plant-derived, plastic-free, biodegradable or compostable.
