Wood Framed Sunglasses: A Sustainable Fashion Statement

Wooden framed sunglasses are an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional plastic sunglasses. The frames are made from a variety of natural woods including bamboo, rosewood, oak, ebony, and maple. These woods are sustainably harvested and handcrafted to create stylish, durable and unique sunglasses.

Types of Wood Used in Sunglasses

1. Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that is highly sustainable. The grain pattern of bamboo wood is distinctive, making each pair of sunglasses truly unique. Bamboo is lightweight, strong and flexible, making it an ideal material for sunglasses frames.

2. Rosewood: Rosewood is a hardwood that is prized for its rich, dark color and distinctive grain pattern. It is one of the most sought-after woods for use in high-end sunglasses. Rosewood is known for its durability and resistance to decay, making it a great choice for outdoor activities.

3. Oak: Oak is a strong and sturdy hardwood with a distinctive grain pattern. It is commonly used in furniture and flooring, but is also ideal for sunglasses frames due to its durability and resistance to decay. Oak frames are often finished with a protective coating to prevent damage from moisture and sun exposure.

4. Ebony: Ebony is a dense, black hardwood that is prized for its luxurious look and feel. It is known for its hardness, strength and stability, making it an ideal choice for sunglasses frames.

5. Maple: Maple is a light-coloured hardwood with a smooth, even grain pattern. It is known for its durability and resistance to decay, making it a great choice for sunglasses frames. Maple frames are often finished with a protective coating to prevent damage from moisture and sun exposure.

The Manufacturing Process of Wooden Sunglasses

The manufacturing process of wooden sunglasses involves several steps, including sourcing and preparation of the wood, shaping and sanding of the frames, assembly and finishing of the sunglasses.

1. Sourcing and Preparation of the Wood: The first step in the process is to source high-quality wood from sustainably managed forests. The wood is then prepared by cutting it into the required shapes and sizes for the sunglasses frames.

2. Shaping and Sanding: The prepared wood is then shaped into the desired frame design using precision machinery and hand-carving techniques. The frames are sanded to a smooth finish, ready for assembly.

3. Assembly: The wooden frames are then assembled with the lenses and any hardware, such as hinges and screws.

4. Finishing: Finally, the sunglasses are finished with a protective coating to prevent damage from moisture and sun exposure. The coating can be applied in a variety of ways, including oiling, varnishing, or staining, to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.

Environmental Benefits of Wooden Sunglasses

Wooden sunglasses have many environmental benefits when compared to traditional plastic sunglasses.

1. Sustainable: Wooden sunglasses are made from sustainably harvested wood, ensuring that the resources used to make them are replenished over time. Plastic sunglasses, on the other hand, are made from non-renewable petroleum-based materials and can take hundreds of years to decompose in the environment.

2. Biodegradable: Unlike plastic sunglasses, wooden sunglasses are biodegradable and will eventually break down into natural materials when disposed of. This reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and the ocean, where it can harm wildlife and damage ecosystems.

3. Reusable: Wooden sunglasses are more durable and long-lasting than plastic sunglasses, meaning they can be used for many years, reducing the need to continually replace your frames.

Max & Miller wood temple framed sunglasses 'Arcadia' can be found here.