Are you on the lookout for the best eco-friendly sunglasses brands in Europe? Whether you love Y2K silhouettes, dream of Wayfarer-like or cat-eye options, or want to add a futuristic touch to your lewks, the European sustainable sunglasses below deserve to be on your radar.
These brands stand out in sustainable practices, with some recycling plastic waste into stylish sunglasses, while others offering fully biodegradable options in a variety of shapes, from rectangular, oval and square frames. We've also included affordable sustainable sunglasses crafted from upcycled vinyl records, perfect for retro lovers. Whatever your style preference is, these sustainable European sunglasses brands will keep you in style and sun-protected throughout the brightest days of the year.
The Best Sustainable & Eco-Friendly European Sunglasses Brands
Parafina Sunglasses
If you are looking for premium, high-quality recycled sunglasses, look no further than the Spanish brand Parafina sunglasses! The brand crafts beautiful frames from 100% recycled HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or PET plastic from detergent, shampoo, and similar containers. You can also find affordable sustainable sunglasses made of Organic Bamboo or recycled rubber!
All of their polarized, eco-friendly sunglasses come with UV 400 protection and are ISO certified. From cat-eye and square to circle and Ray-ban-style sunnies, the options are endless.
Price: from 49,00€
Best for: affordable polarized sunglasses made of recycled materials
Pala
Next up is Pala, one of the most beloved, Eco-Friendly Sunglasses Brands Europe has to offer. This UK-based B-Corp, offers a range of modern recycled frames equipped with high-grade lenses to suit every preference. All European sustainable sunglasses are made of plant-based, biodegradable materials. Yes, biodegradable sunglasses—love it! When it comes to shapes, think cat-eye, oversized, rectangular, round, and square silhouettes.
Also, they have partnered with Ghanaian craftsmen to weave stunning cases out of recycled plastic, giving your sunnies a personality-packed home. What’s more, his amazing sustainable brand is involved in various eye-care initiatives in Africa, offsets their carbon emissions, and adheres to small-batch manufacturing practices. Pala is on top!
Price: from €141
Best for: biodegradable sunglasses
Dick Moby
A Dutch couple who were outraged by the plastic waste they encountered while surfing decided to take it upon themselves to create the European eco-friendly sunglasses brand Dick Moby. Their sustainable sunglasses are made from recycled and biodegradable materials that leave no waste behind.
In fact, they mention that if the sunnies are buried in soil for 115 days, they will biodegrade since they are made of oil-free, bio-based acetate, and wood pulp. Even the packaging is made of upcycled materials: the microfiber cleaning cloth is created from seven recycled plastic bottles, and the case is made of recycled leather.
Granted, they might not be one of the most well-known sustainable sunglasses brands in Europe, but this under-the-radar company definitely deserves your support. In fact, they mention that if the sunnies are buried in soil for 115 days, they will biodegrade since they are made of oil-free, bio-based acetate, and wood pulp. Even the packaging is made of upcycled materials: the microfiber cleaning cloth is created from seven recycled plastic bottles, and the case is made of recycled leather.
Granted, they might not be one of the most well-known sustainable sunglasses brands in Europe, but this under-the-radar company definitely deserves your support.
Price: from €230
Best for: UV400 biodegradable and recycled sunglasses
Peep Eyewear
If you love all things retro, Peep Eyewear is a fantastic option. The British brand is on a mission to give back vintage frames their glory through a detailed restoration process. You can choose from a range of tints and even add your prescription. The eyewear company also sells prescription glasses beginning at £39 which are made of repurposed old chains and beads for a stylish yet functional look.
Also, a tree is planted with every transaction, allowing you to reduce your carbon impact without getting your hands dirty! Even while we are aware that the sunglasses themselves are not constructed from sustainable materials, Peep's efforts to increase the lifespan of those that have already been produced are still something we applaud!
Price: from £86
Best for: vintage sunglasses with 100% UV protection
Vinylize
Lauded as one of the most unique eco-friendly sunglasses brands in Europe, the Budapest-based company Vinylize, which is almost 20 years old, offers premium styles of sunnies. Each pair of sustainable sunglasses is made from one repurposed vinyl record in response to the customer demand for products that are more environmentally friendly. In fact, they upcycle more than 3 tons of vinyl records each year.
They’ve truly nailed it with their innovative approach, making them a standout on our list of sustainable European sunglasses brands, and although they are not the affordable option on our list, they are nonetheless quite cool — they even worked with Nespresso on a project using recycled coffee capsules! Now that’s a great way to close a “sustainable European sunglasses brands” checklist with a boom.
Price: from €532
Best for: recycled sunglasses made of vinyl records