August 21, 2024

Reshape Old Vinyl Records Into Eco Eyewear

Reshape Old Vinyl Records Into Eco Eyewear
Discover how recycled vinyl is reshaping industries, from eco-friendly eyeglasses to upcycled vinyl records, driving sustainability and reducing waste.

Every recycled object has a story behind it that can inspire millions to think of their planet by making smart and mindful choices. Many people believe it is necessary to be a part of the global approach towards the sustainability of the planet by doing something on a large scale. However, you can make major impacts by working from the small level such as considering buying eco friendly eyeglasses made up of sustainable materials like recycled vinyl, recycled metal, cork, bamboo, acetate, etc. Although different materials possess their strengths to build sustainable glasses, there is something special about using old vinyl records and repurposing them to make stylish and aesthetic eyewear. Today, we will learn how those old vinyl records are given the shape of eco friendly glasses through the process of not recycling, but upcycling.

So, let’s start!

The Environmental Problem with Vinyl Records 

First time, anyone will get confused about the dangerous nature of vinyl because it is a kind of plastic. As we all know, plastics are neither ecological nor recyclable. Let us try to understand below why the eco conscious eyewear industry is considering making sustainable eyewear from these old vinyl records.

When the golden age of music was there, people used to keep vinyl records to themselves. But as we have shifted to the digital era recently, people have thrown away those old vinyl records and they are just lying here and there in the landfills as waste. This is where the eyewear fashion industry came up with an innovative approach of using these vinyl records and converting them into eco-friendly eyewear.

We will study the whole process of making eyeglasses with the help of recycled vinyl records but one thing is confirmed here: by reusing and recycling old vinyl records, there is at least a reduction in the amount of waste that stays in the landfills for years. As a result, we can call the practice of making eyeglasses made from recycled material completely eco-conscious.

The Upcycling Movement 

The recycle task involves using waste materials or unhelpful stuffs such as old vinyl records to change them into something new and useful, for example, eco friendly sunglasses. The upcycling movement turns the waste products into new valuable items rather than just breaking down the materials. “Eyewear makers are using recycled vinyl records to exemplify the upcycling trend that the eyewear industry has recently embraced.

Now, let us finally move towards understanding how old vinyl records are given the purpose of eco-friendly eyewear. 

How Vinyl Becomes Eyewear: The Design Process

Step 1: Sourcing Old Vinyl Records 

The first step of the production process of eyeglasses made from recycled material is collecting old vinyl records. The eco-conscious eyewear brands like Vinylize collect these records from thrift stores, donation centers, or from people who just want to throw them away or do not need them anymore. The biggest brands of the eco friendly eyewear industry also partner with records or vintage shops. So, overall, the market of eco-friendly eyewear uses a mindful approach since the first step of sourcing old vinyl records to make sunglasses. 

Step 2: Preparing the Vinyl

The second step of making eco friendly glasses involves preparing the vinyl by sorting out and cleaning the collected old vinyl records. During this step, the experts remove any kind of dust or dirt present on the records to achieve a smooth surface for making glasses later on. Heat flattens the vinyl, making it easier to mold into frames.

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Step 3: Cutting and Shaping the Frames 

Once the designers prepare the vinyl, it is time for them to cut it and give it the shape of frames. Many brands use laser cutting technology or other precision tools for this step. Using such modern technologies makes sure that recycled vinyl glasses are more intricate, customizable, and unique in themselves. Because vinyl is a flexible material, you can get any kind of eyewear (in terms of shape or design) as per your requirements. 

Step 4: Adding Lenses and Final Touches 

The final step of making eco friendly eyeglasses includes putting lenses into the frames of vinyl records. You can choose among a variety of lens options such as instruction lenses, seperate lenses, and UV-protective sunglasses offered by different brands.

In the end, to make the complete structure of eco friendly glasses, the designers give the final touches to them by adding hinges, nose pads, and other details to make sure that the final eyewear is both comfortable and durable for the wearers.

Conclusion 

After this step-by-step procedure of making eco friendly eyeglasses, you get a stylish, aesthetic, durable, long-lasting, and easily customizable pair of glasses for yourself to flaunt wherever you go.