Lapo Srl, a global leader in eyewear lens manufacturing, has partnered with Trinseo, a specialty and sustainable materials provider, to develop high-quality demonstration lenses incorporating recycled polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). These lenses contain at least 86% recycled content, representing a significant step toward sustainability in the eyewear industry.

Luigi De Donà, owner of Lapo, emphasized the importance of sustainability in luxury eyewear manufacturing, stating, “As a lens manufacturer for high-end eyewear, we are joining the sustainability journey with our customers and end-users. This inspiring partnership with Trinseo paves the way for more sustainable solutions to come to life.” Trinseo also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, with Aldo Zanetti, Global Sustainability Business Development Leader for Engineered Materials, highlighting the impact of recycled materials: “We are honored to partner with Lapo and encouraged to see more of our recycled materials becoming part of daily life.”

PMMA, commonly known as acrylic, is widely used in lens production due to its superior optical clarity, lightweight properties, and durability. It is created through the polymerization of the methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer, resulting in a transparent and impact-resistant material ideal for eyewear applications.

For this collaboration, Lapo conducted extensive testing and approved Trinseo’s ALTUGLAS™ R-LIFE V046 CR88, an acrylic resin containing a minimum of 86% recycled content. This innovative material ensures that eyewear manufacturers can maintain the highest standards of performance while reducing their environmental footprint.

Trinseo utilizes cutting-edge depolymerization technology to create recycled MMA from end-of-life PMMA. This chemical recycling method breaks down PMMA back into its monomer state, enabling the production of high-quality recycled PMMA resins without compromising material integrity. The company has reinforced its commitment to sustainability by establishing a state-of-the-art depolymerization demonstration plant in Rho, Italy, further enhancing its ability to handle PMMA waste collection and recycling.

By leveraging this advanced technology, Trinseo ensures that post-consumer and industrial PMMA waste is efficiently converted into reusable raw materials, aligning with circular economy principles and reducing reliance on virgin resources.

One of the most significant advantages of Trinseo’s recycled PMMA is its ability to match the mechanical, thermal, processing, and chemical resistance properties of virgin PMMA. Lapo’s lenses maintain exceptional optical clarity, scratch resistance, and durability, meeting the high-performance standards required in premium eyewear manufacturing.

Additionally, the use of 86% recycled MMA in Trinseo’s PMMA results in a 27%* reduction in product carbon footprint compared to virgin PMMA. This achievement highlights the potential for sustainable materials to play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of eyewear production while maintaining top-tier product quality.