Costa Sunglasses stands for more than just performance eyewear — it’s a brand built with purpose, designed for those who work just as hard to protect the waters they love as they do to explore them. The Third Edition of Costa’s Protect Purpose Report brings this mission into focus, highlighting Costa’s 2023-2024 efforts and ongoing commitment in safeguarding the ocean and waterways, alongside those of the brand’s partners. For over 42 years, Costa has championed conservation by educating and inspiring its broader community to Protect What’s Out There. This report showcases how conservation and community remains at the heart of Costa.
Sustainability Starts With Product DesignÂ
Crafting the highest quality products takes thoughtful planning, innovative design, meticulous materials research, intense testing and dedicated team members. Each step of the process provides the opportunity to build in more sustainable practices. From responsible materials, to better packaging and responsible shipping, Costa is committed to leaving the planet better than it found it.
- In 2023, Costa introduced a new bio-acetate frame material, comprised of at least 67% bio-based carbon content, continuing its pursuit of product performance and innovation while being mindful of impact.
- The Untangled™ Collection, created in partnership with Bureo®, repurposes discarded fishing nets into eyewear and apparel. The frames are made of 97% recycled fishing nets, and in 2023, the collection expanded, offering new color and lens options, such as Deep Blue and Rose. Since 2018, the collection has diverted 3.6 tons of nets from the ocean.
- The apparel line incorporates non-PVC graphics, BCI cotton, and CICLO® technology, further developing Costa’s range of responsible materials.
- In an effort to reduce single-use plastic across the supply chain, Costa expanded its integration of VELA™ bags across a majority of apparel packaging, avoiding the use of 2.25 million traditional poly bags in 2023 and 2024.
Programs That Protect
Costa’s impact extends beyond its products. Through a series of initiatives, the brand actively champions conservation and community support:
- Kick Plastic®: Reduces single-use plastics and raises awareness around aquatic pollution. In 2023, Costa partnered with major events like Stagecoach and the Miami International Boat Show to eliminate single-use plastics on-site.
- Compete + Conserve: Ties every angler payout to a conservation donation. Since 2024, it has donated $120,000 to 5 organizations, supported 33 sanctioned tournaments, and involved 3,200 anglers.
- OneCoast: Created as a response to the 2017 hurricane season, OneCoast aids communities affected by natural disasters as they rebuild – through direct donations, awareness and volunteering.
- TU Costa 5 Rivers: With 85 chapters and over 3000 members, this nationwide program that invests and engages in the next generation of anglers celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Mission-Aligned Partnerships Around the World
Costa’s global network of ambassadors, partners and events underscores the brand’s commitment to exploring and protecting the watery world. Collaborating with 40+ partners including The Billfish Foundation, OCEARCH, Trout Unlimited, Eddie Aikau Foundation and Captains for Clean Water, Costa continued to support non-profit organizations focused on science, education and advocacy.
Corporate Responsibility
Costa is part of the EssilorLuxottica Group, which is committed to addressing sustainability at every stage of its value chain. In 2024, EssilorLuxottica announced that its near-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets had been validated by the Science-Based Targets Initiative. The company is on track to reach carbon neutrality in its scope 1 and 2 emissions (direct operations) worldwide by 2025.
