Acetate is a transparent material that is used primarily in the graphic industry, as the main material for photographic films.
It is also one of the most widely used materials in the production of glasses and is very different from plastic. At first glance there is not a big difference between the two materials but their production and impact are not at all the same.
Acetate is made from natural raw materials, such as cotton or wood fibers, which are collected, dried, and ground into a soft powder that is then mixed with some form of acetic acid to become granules. This is where we come across the difference between acetate and bio acetate. The former is often mixed with oils or chemical-based plasticizers, while bio acetate is mixed with bio-based plasticizers from renewable sources or bio polymers. This also makes it a hypoallergenic material, meaning it has a low risk of causing allergic reactions. At Parafina, we combine bio acetate (present in the frames of HURRICANE II, TYPHON II, and TORNADO) with recycled aluminum for the temples.
This aluminium is extracted from soft drink cans, for example, obtained from uncontrolled landfills with which we have agreements to supply us with this waste.
We then take it to our factory, where the aluminium is melted at a high temperature, allowing it to be separated from other elements, such as paint or dirt.
Molten aluminum is stored in ingots that are then crushed to create highly flexible and resistant aluminum plates, resulting in glasses that are very stable and durable over time.
So, when comparing bio acetate with other non-eco-friendly materials, we must take into account that these frames are sustainably manufactured, environmentally friendly, durable and of high quality. What more could you ask for from sunglasses?
