KIT LONDON SUNGLASSES
You may think there’s not much to learn about sunglasses and sustainability.
.... But then you haven’t read about ‘KIT’ sunglasses....Leading the way with help from one of World’s leading sunglass companies and their progressive approach to changing the way that Sunglasses are made.
KIT LONDON wants to find new ways to create products and in working with our esteemed partners we are very proud to be at the vanguard of change in the Eyewear market. As you will read below there are many advantages to be gained from working more smartly to reduce environmental impact and raise awareness of what is possible all whilst looking incredibly sexy and stylish.....
BIODEGRADABLE ACETATE vs CONVENTIONAL ACETATE
Our acetate frames are made using vegetable oil (as opposed to regular petroleum) which is primarily soy based. The result is a material that meets ISO 14855 biodegradable standards. The performance standard vs regular acetate is in fact improved in terms of malleability to ensure a better fit and colour uptake to hold more vivid colours. We believe that one day all Acetate Frames will be made in this hugely more sustainable and eco-friendly way.
GREEN NYLON LENSES VS CONVENTIONAL LENSES
CR39 and Polycarbonate (PC) lenses are ubiquitous in eyewear manufacturing. They’re all made with petroleum and have zero environmental credibility. Our ‘Green Nylon’ lenses are made with 39% plant (castor) oils. Their performance is identical to conventional lenses, however their footprint at the raw material stage is significantly lowered. These are energy saving and carbon sequestering lenses—the future of optics.
RECYCLED STEEL VS NORMAL STEEL
Our lens rims are tooled with 100% recycled steel. Removing virgin steel from our supply chain eliminates the need to mine and process new materials. Like our green nylon lenses, recycled steel saves energy and sequesters carbon at the raw material stage. There are alternatives to the endless use and often waste of our planet’s raw material.
OUR HINGES VS CONVENTIONAL HINGES
All our frames are equipped with German engineered three or five barrel hinges. They are paired with coated ‘safety’ screws to minimise metal-on-metal rubbing and corrosion. Our hinges are tested to the nanometre to ensure a high level of precision and functionality day after day, year after year.
Our hinge manufacturing partners have been environmentally certified since 1996. Over the past twenty years they have reduced energy and water consumption by 30% and 65% respectively. All metal waste is recycled and up to 60% of each hinge is tooled with used raw materials.
CLOTH
100% recycled PET microfiber material with KIT London debossed detail.
CASE
Vegan leather outer material with flocked internal lining to protect your frames. Semi rigid design that is a halfway point between ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ case. Ruby contrast stitch detail on outside edges. Blind debossed KIT London on outside.
BOX
100% recycled kraft paper box with custom artwork on all panels.
