Sunglasses made from castor bean oil

There are many firsts in the word of sustainable consumer products. Zeal Optics claims to have the first product line of 100% non-petroleum based eyeware frames. Now Zeal has taken it one step further with their E-llume lenses which use plant based bonding agent.

Zeal says "with optimum clarity, this lens is a proof that environmental initiatives are not a deterrent to an incredible optical experience." Furthermore, Zeals says their caster oil based frame resin, which is produced in Switzerland, is the perfect material "because it is [made from] an efficient, fast growing perennial that is easy to grow, withstands drought, and thrives on marginal lands. [Their resin] doesn't compete with food crops and it also significantly reduces the amount of CO2 released during manufacturing."

Read more about Zeal sunglasses at Treehugger here and here.

See more sustainable sunglasses at Treehugger

Read more about Zeal's technology at their website

Read more about castor oil plastic at the Royal Society of Chemistry