Most Sunglasses Are Made from Plastic — This UK Surf Brand Is Changing That

Most Sunglasses Are Made from Plastic — This UK Surf Brand Is Changing That

Union of Surf: Sustainable Sunglasses for UK Surfers

When you hit the waves along the UK coastline, the last thing you expect to see is sunglasses contributing to ocean plastic pollution. Yet, most sunglasses today are made from petroleum-based plastics, which take hundreds of years to decompose and often end up in our rivers and seas.

Enter Union of Surf, a UK surf brand that’s turning the industry on its head by creating eco-friendly sunglasses made from recycled and sustainable materials.

The Hidden Problem in Every Pair of Sunglasses

  • Plastic waste: Millions of sunglasses end up in landfills and oceans annually.

  • Carbon emissions: Traditional production releases significant CO₂.

  • Environmental impact: Plastic frames contribute to microplastics in the ocean.

  • Large eyewear brands: Reports show only about 23 % of their collections use recycled or bio‑based materials, suggesting that 77 % or more of new eyewear is still produced using traditional oil‑derived materials. source marketpublishers.com

For surfers who spend hours on the water, every plastic frame discarded is one more piece of waste threatening marine life.

A Sustainable Alternative for UK Surfers

Union of Surf’s approach is simple: sustainable materials without compromising style or durability.

  • Wooden frames: Crafted from responsibly sourced wood offcuts.

  • Bio Acetates: Materials made from bio based materials.

  • Recycled Material: Cases made from old wetsuits, reducing wetsuit landfill waste.
  • Highly renewable material: Cork cases are highly sustainable due to their harvesting never cuts down a tree and is sustainably sourced from the trees bark production.

  • Eco-friendly packaging: Biodegradable cases and bags designed with the planet in mind.

“We wanted to create sunglasses that surfers could feel proud to wear — products that protect the oceans we love,” says Philippa Clark, founder of Union of Surf.

Why UK Surf Culture Needs Sustainable Gear

From Cornwall to Scotland, UK surfers are increasingly aware of the impact of plastic pollution. Union of Surf offers gear that aligns with their values, giving them a chance to make an impact without changing their lifestyle.

Durable, stylish, and functional — these sunglasses are designed to withstand the UK’s waves, sun, and wind.

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