Every minute, a million plastic bottles are purchased worldwide, and a large number of them end up in our oceans and landfills. At Parafina, we decided to see an opportunity where others see waste: transforming that plastic into sustainable, stylish, durable, and eco-friendly eyewear.
Have you ever wondered how a simple water bottle becomes your favorite pair of sunglasses? Today, we are opening the doors to our production process to show you the circular economy journey that brings our eco-friendly eyewear to life.The sustainability cycle: 6 steps toward a cleaner perspective.
Phase I: Plastic Transformation (From Waste to Raw Material)
To create truly eco-friendly sunglasses, the first step is to rescue the plastic before it harms our ecosystems and restore its value.
1. Collection & Sorting
Change begins at the source. We collect PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles and carry out a rigorous material sorting process. We ensure that only the best plastic is selected, removing labels, caps, and non-recyclable elements to guarantee maximum purity.
2. Washing & Shredding
Once sorted, the plastic undergoes a deep cleaning process to remove any impurities or residue. Afterward, the bottles are shredded into small pieces known as "flakes". This clean, lightweight format marks the starting point of the material's rebirth.
3. Extrusion & Pelletizing
The clean flakes undergo an extrusion process, where they are melted and compacted into rPET (recycled PET) pellets. These small granules serve as our new "regenerated raw material"—a durable, lightweight, and 100% recycled base ready to be shaped into your new eyewear.
Phase II: Manufacturing & Assembly (The birth of your sustainable eyewear)
With the rPET pellets ready, Parafina’s technology and design come into play.
4. Injection Molding
We feed rPET granules into high-precision molds using an injection molding process. By melting the material at controlled temperatures (between 200°C and 300°C) and applying high pressure, the molten recycled plastic is distributed with millimeter precision to form the frame fronts and temples.
5. Cooling & Finishing
Once molded and removed from the molds, the frames undergo a slow cooling process to ensure maximum flexibility and impact resistance. Next, our artisans hand-polish each piece and apply Parafina’s signature engraved details. The result is a frame that is smooth to the touch, ergonomic, and ultra-lightweight!
6. Final Assembly & Eye Protection
A sustainable frame deserves the best eye protection. In this final step, we attach highly durable hinges—designed to keep up with your daily routine—and fit our polarized, UV400-rated lenses. The final result: sunglasses that protect your eyes from 100% of ultraviolet rays and eliminate glare, all while caring for the planet.
Why choose sustainable eyewear from Parafina?
Choosing eco-friendly glasses made from rPET is not just a style statement; it is an active commitment to the environment:
- ♻️ Waste reduction: We give PET plastic a second life, preventing it from ending up in the ocean.
- 🌱 Lower carbon footprint: Manufacturing with recycled PET consumes significantly less energy and water than producing virgin plastic.
- 🕶️ Uncompromising quality: Our frames are extremely durable, flexible, and lightweight.
- 👁️ Eye health: All our sunglasses feature polarized UV400 lenses.
Join the eco-fashion revolution
The next time you put on your Parafina sunglasses, remember that you’re wearing much more than just a fashion accessory: you’re wearing a solution to the plastic problem, a design built to last, and a philosophy of life.
Ready to see the world through new eyes? 👉 Discover our collection of sustainable sunglasses made from recycled PET.