When you become a vegan, everything in your life changes, including the way you look at things. One of the first questions people usually ask vegans is, “Are glasses vegan?” The answer to that question might surprise you. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to buy vegan eyeglasses and answer some common questions about vegan glasses.
While there is still a lack of transparency in the eyewear industry about the sources of every component of glasses, some parts are known to potentially contain animal products, including the dyes and inks used, beeswax used as a frame sealant, and leather cases.
Eyewear is one of those items that often come to a line: if you need prescription eyeglasses, sometimes this is not something you can run from. However, if you have the possibility of going with vegan-friendly options – mainly for sunglasses – there are products out there for you.
In this article, we will explore:
- What are glasses made out of?
- Why are dyes and inks not always vegan?
- The use of Beeswax in eyeglasses
- The use of Leather in eyeglasses
- The Top Vegan Glasses on the market
1. What are glasses made out of?
Glasses are typically made out of some type of plastic or glass. The most common type of plastic used is polycarbonate, which is a durable and lightweight material. Glass is also a popular choice for glasses, as it is clear and allows for good vision. However, glass can be heavy and breakable, so it is not always the best option.
Prescription glasses often have thicker lenses because they need to correct vision problems. Sunglasses typically have dark-tinted lenses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Some sunglasses also have polarized lenses, which help reduce glare.
The glasses frames are typically made out of plastic or metal, and they usually have a nose bridge and earpieces made out of the same material.
Dyes are used in glasses frames to add color and style. There are many different colors and shades of dyes available, so you can find the perfect match for your personal style.
Dyes are also commonly used to color sunglasses lenses. Most dyes used for sunglasses absorb in ultraviolet (UV) and visible light region, reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the eye.
The coating used on eyeglasses and sunglasses is typically made from polycarbonate. This material is known for being lightweight and durable, making it ideal for use in eyewear. Polycarbonate is also resistant to scratches, so it can help keep your glasses looking new for longer. In addition to polycarbonate, other materials that are sometimes used to coat eyeglasses and sunglasses include titanium and nickel.
2. Why are dyes and inks not always vegan?
Dyes are not always vegan because they may be tested on animals, and even if they’re not, they may contain animal products.
For example, carmine is a red dye that is made from crushed cochineal insects. Cochineal insects are found in South America and Mexico and have been used to make dyes for centuries.
Some inks also contain animal-derived ingredients, such as gelatin or casein. These ingredients are usually derived from cows or pigs, and they can be found in both traditional and digital printing inks. Additionally, some ink manufacturers use beeswax in their formulas, which is another non-vegan ingredient.
However, there are now synthetic dyes that do not use any animal or insect products. These dyes are usually labeled as “vegan” or “non-animal derived.”
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3. The use of Beeswax in eyeglasses
Some companies, such as Panda, have started using beeswax as a frame sealant for waterproofing their glasses.
Beeswax is a non-toxic alternative to BPA (Bisphenol A), which is a chemical that has been linked to cancer, birth defects, and other issues.
While beeswax is not harmful to humans, unfortunately, it does make the glasses not vegan-friendly.
4. The use of Leather in eyeglasses
This one might be the easiest to avoid. When you are done shopping for your perfect pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses, you may be surprised to see it comes in a leather case.
If you’re shopping for new glasses, be sure to ask for a non-leather case. Most stores will have an alternative available. Or, you can choose to take your glasses without a case.
Most places that sell glasses are happy to oblige, as they want to accommodate as many different types of customers as possible. So don’t be afraid to speak up and request a vegan-friendly option!
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5. The Top Vegan Glasses on the market
5.1. Pala Eyewear
Pala Eyewear is one of the top vegan glasses brands on the market. Their commitment to animal-friendly practices extends throughout their product chain, from the inks used in production to the materials used in their products. Their glasses are high-quality and stylish, making them a great choice for those looking for vegan-friendly eyewear.
Sustainability is also an essential part of their business model, including recycled and biodegradable materials, as well as an effort for a circular economy.
5.2. Ozeano Vision
Ozeano is a vegan and sustainable eyeglasses company that offers a wide range of eco-friendly and stylish frames made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, cork, and recycled plastics. Their frames are made from recycled plastic and plant-based acetate, and their lenses are made from recycled glass.
Their products are PETA-approved vegan, and also carry other certifications from GOTS and FSC for their sustainable sourced materials.
Ozeano also works with a number of charities to help promote environmental awareness and to support the work of those who are working to protect our planet.
5.3. Bird Eyewear
Bird Eye is an ethical eyewear company that offers vegan glasses made from sustainable materials.
The company uses plant-based dyes for their wood frames and eco-cork cases, which have been certified to conform to ROHS directive and ISO 17226. Their cleaning cloths are also made from recycled plastic bottles.
Bird Eye is committed to social and environmental responsibility, and is the first B Corp Certified eyewear brand in the UK.
Every purchase of a pair of glasses helps to distribute solar light to families in Zambia and Malawi through the Share Your Sun partnership with SolarAid.
6. The Bottom Line
There are a number of vegan-friendly eyeglasses brands available on the market today. While some glasses may use non-vegan materials such as leather or beeswax, there are many options available that do not use these materials. When shopping for new glasses, be sure to ask for a vegan-friendly option.