Sustainability and circular economy
5Loops midterm goal is to implement sustainability as a circular economy with the following concept: Products will be based on BioAcetate S70. This is a material based on cellulose, more precisely wood pulp or cotton. Regular acetate contains a lower percentage of cellulose than BioAcetate S70 and needs to be mixed with chemicals like plasticizers (phthalates), which can be toxic and cause reproductive and general health issues. Additionally, normal acetate contributes to micro plastics found in the oceans. BioAcetate S70 contains less chemicals, instead using more bio-based substances.
Circular Economy
- Bio-based frame production reduces the dependency of fossil derived resources and greenhouse gas emissions as plants use CO2 during their growth
- 5Loops frames can be sent back to 5Loops for either refurbishing, composting or recycling
- OBE hinges made of nickel and silver alloy
- Glasses frame cases and cleaning cloth made
100% from recycled plastic bottles (RPET) which can be again recycled through the established plastic recycling system
Production with BioAcetate S70
- BioAcetate S70 is 62 % bio-based
- ASTM D6866 tested
- ISO 14855 certified as biodegradable
- Free from harmful plasticizers - diethylphthalate (DEP) free
- Hardness enhanced cellulose acetate (HECA) which makes our frames more durable and resistant
- BioAcetate S70 is produced with a reduced carbon footprint because it is not based on fossil fuels
Our guarantee
To guarantee and control the sustainability of all elements and production aspects of 5Loops, we have engaged a company for regular audits and control. Producing glasses made of BioAcetate S70 in Europe is extremely challenging at this current time due to the availability and affordability of raw materials. Ideally, we will transfer the production of 5Loops eyewear to Europe in the foreseeable future to reduce our CO2 footprint, as well as become ‘independent’ from overseas production regulations.
We believe it is our duty to think about what will happen with our product once its life cycle has ended and how it will thereby be re-entered into the economy as either refurbished glasses, composted or recycled material. Thinking only how to produce and sell a product sustainably is not sufficient – we must go beyond to the very end.
5Loops will continuously search for new ways to being more sustainable, learn more about circular economy and influence society to look for brands who live this concept as we do.
Our 5 nature driven values
"Nature is humanity’s most important treasure – it is time we start giving back to preserve it for our children."
Using natural materials
To achieve this goal, 5Loops offers stylish eyewear as well as accessories made of BioAcetate S70 – a renewable, recyclable, sustainable, biodegradable, and bio-based material for eyewear. All elements of the 5Loops glasses packaging (the boxes, cases and cleaning cloths) are made of recycled materials and are recyclable through established processes.
Creating less waste
To generate as little waste as possible, 5Loops glasses are produced using molds which reduces the amount of waste produced compared to using acetate sheeting. The glasses chains are also 95 % produced via molds, only the ‘ring’ to hold the glasses is cut out of sheeting. This is due to the fact that these do not reach the minimum requirement to use molds.
Implementing a circular economy concept
To implement a circular economy concept, 5Loops will motivate its customers to send back ‘old’ 5Loops glasses for refurbishing & redistributing or– if refurbishing is not possible – for composting or recycling. This will extend the product life cycle or re-enter these into the economic circle.
Together we are strong
Through collaboration with companies that share our values (Daotey, COVER, Nina Rein & Frijda Juni), the power to fundamentally and sustainably change consumer behavior emerges. Our partners and we are committed towards the same goal of supporting each other and growing together on the path to a more sustainable future.
Take a step further with us
Your contribution to slow fashion and sustainability goes beyond just purchasing your glasses with us. Because you are the crucial fifth element at 5Loops – by choosing to return your glasses to us after their use. By doing so, you give us the opportunity to either pass the glasses on directly to communities and social projects in Peru, the home country of the two founders of 5Loops, or to return the glasses' materials completely to the cycle, depending on their condition.
Both options enable you to actively contribute to improving the lives of your fellow human beings and making a positive impact to our planet.
Becoming 100% sustainable
5Loops is not perfect as the path to become 100 % sustainable is extremely challenging, but it has the willingness to embark on this journey and become better every day. Ideally finding allies throughout this path and become part of a new way of thinking about production, consumption, and disposal of products. Disposal of glasses will be especially challenging, due to the lack of streamlined pathways for this innovative material. We are sure the need will create a way.
As it is normal for temples or glasses to change shape over time, we've created a video with instructions on how you can easily adjust your glasses at home. This process can be repeated as often as needed with any glasses. Additionally, you can extend the lifetime of your glasses and ensure wearing comfort.
Refurbishing
Please send us your ‘old’ 5Loops glasses and we will refurbish and send them where they are needed most – pictures will be shared through our Instagram account and via our website.
Based on condition of glasses frames these will be either collected to support social projects in Peru or sent for composting or recycling to specialized companies.
Please send to
