Today, Marchon Eyewear, Inc., one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of quality eyewear and sunglasses, announced a new collaboration with Eastman, a global specialty materials company. Marchon will introduce Eastman’s Tenite™ Renew in Marchon’s proprietary and licensed brands frames, beginning in January 2023.
Tenite Renew is a sustainable material powered by Eastman, using more than 60% of sustainable materials made from bio-based and certified recycled content. By adopting Tenite Renew into sunglasses and optical frames, Marchon will be maintaining their commitment to sustainability and bringing key benefits to consumers. Frames will have the premium look and feel of acetate with the convenience of injection-molded frames, assuring wearers of the same durable, high-quality, superior frames they expect from Marchon. Designed in Tenite Renew, these frames will provide an unmatched fit, with outstanding comfort and adjustability for a truly personalized fit.
Tenite Renew uses the same advanced recycling technology as Acetate Renew, which was successfully deployed in Marchon’s Salvatore Ferragamo brand earlier this year. This innovative technology uses hard to recycle waste plastic in place of fossil feedstock, reducing carbon emissions and leaving fossil-based resources behind while ensuring the same high performance as conventional materials.
“We are incredibly proud to build on our successful partnership and growing collaboration with Eastman,” said Thomas Burkhardt, President of Marchon Eyewear, Inc. “By joining forces again and introducing Tenite Renew in Marchon frames, we are able to offer our customers even more sustainable options in eyewear.”
In the Fall of 2020, Marchon and Eastman first announced their partnership using Eastman’s Acetate Renew, a fully sustainable material produced via carbon renewal technology, one of Eastman’s molecular recycling technologies. Earlier this year, Marchon and Eastman announced their continued collaboration, making Marchon the first global eyewear company to use Eastman’s Tritan™ Renew, for both frames and tinted lenses in the same eyewear. Tenite Renew marks the third synergy between the two companies, further asserting Marchon’s commitment to social responsibility and bringing more sustainable practices to the eyewear industry.
“Marchon is truly committed in implementing sustainable materials for frames and lenses across their portfolio as part of their Eyes on Tomorrow™ program.” says Rachel Oakley, Eyewear Segment Manager at Eastman. “After this successful year of collaboration, we are delighted that Marchon trusts Eastman once again by adopting Tenite Renew and offering their consumers sustainable solutions for a growing number of designs and applications”
Beginning in January 2023, Nautica will be the first Marchon licensed brand who will produce sunglasses and ophthalmic frames using Eastman’s Tenite Renew.
About Marchon Eyewear, Inc.
Marchon Eyewear, Inc. is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of quality eyewear and sunglasses. The company markets its products under prestigious brand names including: Calvin Klein, Columbia, Converse, DKNY, Donna Karan, Dragon, Flexon, Karl Lagerfeld, Lacoste, Lanvin, Liu Jo, Longchamp, Marchon NYC, MCM, Nautica, Nike, Nine West, Pilgrim, Pure, Salvatore Ferragamo, Shinola, Skaga, Victoria Beckham and ZEISS. Marchon Eyewear distributes its products through a global network of subsidiaries and distributors, serving over 80,000 accounts in more than 100 countries. Marchon Eyewear is a VSP Vision™ company, which is focused on its purpose of empowering human potential through sight and connecting its more than 85 million members to affordable, accessible, high quality eye care and eyewear. Marchon Eyewear has a proud history of commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives – EYES ON TOMORROW™ For more information, visit www.marchon.com and follow @marchoneyewear.
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2021 revenues of approximately $10.5 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information about Eastman’s sustainability journey, visit eastman.eco