Traditionally, companies are seen as mere value-neutral entities governed by contractual arrangements. However, there has been a pivotal shift in perception in recent years. Today, it’s accepted that companies carry inherent responsibilities to serve the greater public good and contribute positively to society. Chicago University’s Professor Luigi Zingales explains that these responsibilities are a reciprocal gesture for the privileges bestowed upon them by the state.
This paradigm shift has reverberated across industries, including the eyewear sector, where recent developments have witnessed a notable emergence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Below, we take a look at how different eyewear companies are now acknowledging their broader societal obligations through changes in manufacturing processes, programs, and much more.
Increased demand for social responsibility
The growing number of CSR efforts within the eyewear industry can be attributed to several key factors, foremost among them being the increasing concerns about eye health. Approximately 12 million people aged 40 and over in the United States are affected by vision impairment, according to the CDC. Moreover, vision disability ranks among the top 10 disabilities among adults aged 18 and older and is prevalent among children as well.
In response to these heightened concerns about eye health, stakeholders in the eyewear industry are reevaluating their sustainability practices — or lack thereof. Vogue Business describes a significant shift in marketing strategies, with brutal honesty emerging as the new face of sustainable marketing. Amsterdam-based eyewear brand Ace & Tate, for example, openly outlined five of its past missteps in sustainability efforts as part of its recent B Corp certification process. Similarly, fashion brand Ganni adopted the tagline “We’re not sustainable” to transparently communicate its sustainability efforts and shortcomings over the past three years.
This candid approach reflects a broader trend among eyewear brands to embrace transparency and accountability in response to the growing scrutiny from young consumers, especially as 66% and 79% of millennials and Gen Zs, respectively, believe that brands are not honest enough about environmental sustainability.
CSR efforts among eyewear companies
The heightened awareness and demand for transparency have compelled eyewear companies to step up their CSR efforts. However, experts are keen to point out that transparency alone is not sufficient. A true commitment to sustainability is essential for driving meaningful change.
EssilorLuxottica echoes this sentiment. As a major conglomerate offering eyewear in different parts of the world, EssilorLuxottica emphasizes that sustainability forms an integral part of its business strategy. Its commitment is exemplified by its pioneering efforts, such as being the first eyewear company to obtain the ISCC Plus certificate for circular economy practices at the Agordo plant in Italy.
Moreover, EssilorLuxottica’s dedication to research has led to the introduction of innovative, renewable raw materials, enabling the launch of specific collections focused on sustainability. Take a look at Eyebuydirect, an online glasses retailer offering several services for D2C, from selling eyewear frames to changing lens coatings. As a subsidiary under EssilorLuxottica, Eyebuydirect’s sustainable collections range from 5 To See, which uses 5 recycled plastic bottles to make one frame, to Eco-Friendly Bio-Nylon, which uses renewable, recyclable, and durable bio-based materials like sustainable castor seeds.
Given that environmental sustainability is just one facet of CSR, Eyebuydirect has also launched social initiatives such as its Buy 1 Give 1 program. This provides a pair of prescription glasses to underserved communities for every order placed. Similarly, Warby Parker goes beyond environmental CSR efforts through its social and employee programs. The retail eyewear company provides employees with fair wages through the Living Well and Giving Back program while simultaneously maintaining Pupils Project and Buy a Pair, Give a Pair. These multifaceted approaches reflect the eyewear industry’s growing commitment to corporate social responsibility.
With the increasing awareness and expectations from consumers, more CSR efforts can be expected as companies strive to make a positive impact on society and the environment. For more global news, check back with us at the Inter Press Service news agency.