Eco-Acetate

Acetate is a cellulose material, similar to rayon and is a semi synthetic material. The material is becoming more and more popular for several reasons. For one it is hypoallergenic – making it great for eyewear companies such as Nathalie Fordeyn Sunglasses. It is also a thermoplastic, this means that it can be heated and molded, again perfect for sunglasses to get the exact fit for a persons face. This combined with the fact that colours and patterns achieve better results than more conventional plastics and injection molding make for an exciting prospect for manufacturers to use acetate.

When produced, acetate comes in pellets or blocks, it is derived from three acids; acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and sulfuric acid. Bio acetate or eco-acetate is a more natural version of acetate. In fact, while acetate contains phthalates derived from petroleum, the bio version is made up of two main elements: cellulose acetate (from wood) and a material derived from citric acid esters: both are of natural origin and obtained from renewable sources.

Typically acetate is comprised of 40% plant material, however depending on the manufacturer of the acetate, it can rise to around 70% which is where the term eco acetate is derived from.

When considering eco acetate as a material for your sunglasses frame it is important to consider whether or not the acetate is made from biodegradable plant sources, the eco-acetate is molded into frames under ethical working conditions and that the frames are of a high quality and will last a long time.

It is important when investing in a pair of eco acetate sunglasses that they will last a long time and if you decide on changing, then they can be sold or given away and reused.

Nathalie Fordeyn is passionate about the environment and the working conditions of our employees and as a result we have a number of models which are made using eco-acetate. Our Bamboo, Kapok Naked, Margot and Linen range have frames derived from sustainable materials and eco-acetate. Please browse the collection here.

Eco-Certified

Nathalie Fordeyn’s range of eco acetate sunglasses and eyeglasses have been certified.