Our tree planting partner Wires Glasses are changing how eyewear is made and worn. Each pair of glasses is sustainably designed in London and handcrafted in Italy from a single piece of metal wire and 3D printed parts. Founded by model and environmental activist Lily Cole, Wires are serious about sustainability. We caught up with the team at Wires to find out why planting a forest in Scotland is so high on their sustainability agenda.
Unlike most eyewear brands, Wires Glasses are sustainably produced, could you share a bit about your production process?
At Wires we use a stainless steel wire for the frame, and 3D printing for the rims which is an ‘additive manufacturing’ technique. This describes a process that only consumes the precise material it needs to form product. Gradually, layer by layer, our rims are built up from a powder. The powder that’s not used is then gathered up and re-used in the next print run, meaning that there is zero waste in the production.
We have sourced a bio-nylon derivative from the castor bean for both the 3D printed rims, and all of the sunglass lenses. Our temple tips contain 43% natural rubber. By using bio-nylons, we strive to reduce the demand for petroleum based plastics – which currently account for 4% of all oil usage globally.
Wires Glasses have been partnering with The Future Forest Company for a while now, what has that been like?
It’s great working with The Future Forest Company. We currently donate a tree for every £30 spent on a gift card, as we feel it’s a lovely extra offering to someone purchasing a gift. The Future Forest team are really helpful, and it’s always inspiring to collaborate with likeminded people who care about the environment and their impact.
Why is reforestation in the UK important to you?
Reforestation brings a myriad of climate and economic benefits, including regenerating biodiversity, reducing global warming and air pollution, reversing the harmful effects of soil erosion, and providing jobs.
The past year in particular has also given people the opportunity to really appreciate and reconnect with nature and the great outdoors. Reforestation is one way we can work together to protect our natural environment.
How have your customers responded to your tree planting partnership with The Future Forest Company?
The majority of our customers come to Wires because they care about sustainability and the environment. I think people really appreciate that we are trying to offer more than just a pair of glasses, we are always thinking about the bigger picture and the impact we have.
What would your vision be for the future of forests in the UK?
We would love to see reforestation take place on an epic scale across the UK, working in conjunction with rewilding in general, allowing our forests to be repopulated with the flora and fauna that would have once thrived here, boosting biodiversity and hopefully bringing some of our amazing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
To learn more about Wires, head over to their website. If you would like to start planting a forest with us, get in touch today: christine@thefutureforestcompany.com
