The 2016 Global SDGs play a key role in driving businesses to take action and aim for long-lasting change. Learn about the impact on the optical sector.
How SDGs Impact the Eyewear Industry: Sustainability in the Optical Sector.
There's no doubt about it – sustainable practices are becoming increasingly important in all industries, and the eyewear industry is no exception. With the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) gaining traction worldwide, it's clear that sustainable development is a top priority for both businesses and consumers alike.
What are SDGs?
The sustainable development goals, also known as the SDGs, are a universal set of goals that seek to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. They were embraced by the United Nations in 2015 and came into effect on January 1st, 2016.
A total of 17 SDGs impact every industry in some way or another, with the eyewear industry slowly but surely adapting sustainable practices to align with the goals.
SDGs are essential for the eyewear industry because they provide a framework for sustainable development. They also act as a rallying point for businesses, governments, and consumers
How do SDGs impact the eyewear industry?
With the rising global demand for sustainable products, the eyewear industry is under pressure to make sustainable practices a priority. And while there's still some way to go in terms of making the optical sector fully sustainable, there are several initiatives that are helping to move things in the right direction.
For example, many eyewear companies are now using sustainable materials to make their products. Bamboo, recycled plastic, and even recycled metal are all being used to create sustainable eyewear frames. And it's not just the materials that are sustainable – many companies are also using sustainable methods of production, such as solar-powered factories.
Reducing carbon footprint is another key focus for the eyewear industry. In recent years, there has been a shift away from using airfreight to transport goods, with many companies now opting for more eco-friendly methods such as sea freight. This not only reduces emissions but also helps to cut down on costs.
Moreover, sustainable practices aren't just good for the environment – they're also good for business. For example, sustainable eyewear products tend to have a longer lifespan, which reduces waste and helps to save money in the long run.
Challenges that remain in terms of sustainability in the eyewear industry
Despite the progress that's been made, some challenges still need to be addressed to make the eyewear industry sustainable. One of the biggest challenges is the amount of waste that's produced by the optical sector.
Every year, millions of glasses end up in landfill sites around the world. And while many of these glasses can be recycled, the process is often costly and time-consuming. As a result, many recycling initiatives fail to make a significant dent in the amount of waste that's produced by the eyewear industry.
Another challenge that remains is the affordability of sustainable eyewear. Many of the most sustainable products on the market are also the most expensive, which means that they're out of reach for many consumers.
This is a particular problem in developing countries, where people are unlikely to be able to afford sustainable eyewear products. And even in developed countries, there is a growing number of people who are struggling to make ends meet – meaning that they're also unlikely to be able to afford sustainable eyewear.
However, as sustainable practices become more commonplace in the eyewear industry, it's likely that the cost of sustainable products will decrease. This will make them more accessible to a wider range of consumers and help to drive down waste levels in the optical sector.
The optical sector is adapting sustainable practices
Overall, the optical sector is slowly but surely adapting sustainable practices to align with the SDGs.
Of course, the sheer scale of the SDGs means that there's still some way to go in terms of making the optical sector sustainable. But with more and more companies investing in sustainable practices, it's clear that the industry is moving in the right direction.
And as sustainable practices become more commonplace, it's likely that the eyewear industry will continue to grow. After all, sustainable practices aren't just good for the environment – they're also good for business. And with the rising global demand for sustainable products, there's no doubt that sustainable eyewear is here to stay.
Thank you for reading! We hope this gives you a better understanding of how SDGs impact the eyewear industry and the challenges that remain in terms of sustainability. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us here.