Dragon Eyewear, a globally recognized performance eyewear brand with deep ties to the action sports world, announces the launch of their new eyewear collection featuring frames made from recycled plastic water bottles. Known for their innovative designs and expert craftsmanship, Dragon continues to evolve into a new era of growth – this time with sustainability at the forefront.
Available now, the new Upcycled collection includes 3 unisex sun styles and 3 unisex ophthalmic styles all produced through a new method where 5 recycled plastic water bottles are repurposed, or “upcycled” into a frame. By reducing the impact plastic bottles have on the environment, Dragon is protecting the land we love to explore, the air we breathe and the oceans we surf.
“Dragon has always been a leader in creating premium eyewear that features technical breakthroughs, while successfully keeping the brand’s heritage the focus,” said Thomas Burkhardt, Senior Vice President of Global Brands, Marketing and Design at Marchon Eyewear, Inc. “Dragon’s sustainable initiative began in Fall 2019 by producing all injected styles with plant-based resin. By incorporating these styles into their collection, Dragon solidifies their commitment to social responsibility, while also tying it back to the brand’s heritage in surf.”
The fabrication process begins with 5 plastic bottles being manually separated and selected. Next, the recycled waste is washed thoroughly and cut into chips. The chips are pressed into small pellets, then melted down and injected into a frame. Implementing recycled materials into the manufacturing process helps to reduce Dragon’s carbon footprint and preserve our planet, while providing the same lightweight, durable quality that Dragon eyewear is known for. Additionally, the Upcycled collection will be packaged in recyclable poly-bags.
To further their commitment to sustainable practices and protecting the places we play, Dragon has entered into an ongoing partnership with the Surfrider Foundation as a sponsor of Surfrider’s volunteer-run Blue Water Task Force program which works to identify and address water quality issues around the country. The Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots environmental nonprofit organization with over 180 local chapters and clubs in the United States and a mission to protect and enjoy our ocean, waves and beaches.
Dragon’s Spring 2020 video campaign features staggering facts about plastic pollution, the importance of clean waters, and a visual description of the fabrication process. The campaign’s water bottle symbol serves as a unique way to identify the Upcycled styles at point of sale, while also acknowledging the prominent DNA of the Dragon brand.
The Upcycled collection will be available worldwide starting today at Dragon specialty retailers, select optical retailers and online at dragonalliance.com and eyeconic.com.
About Dragon
Based in San Clemente, California, Dragon is an internationally recognized, leading performance eyewear brand for those seeking craftsmanship, high-level performance and innovative design. Since 1993, our world class collection of athletes and ambassadors helped pioneer and inspire our wide range of products, while our heritage in surf and snow culture illustrates our ongoing celebration of an active, impassioned lifestyle. By focusing on technical breakthroughs and progressively designed products, Dragon has become a leader in premium eyewear offerings. For more information on Dragon’s premium goggles and eyewear, visit dragonalliance.com.
About Marchon Eyewear, Inc.
Marchon Eyewear, Inc. is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of quality eyewear and sunwear. The company markets its products under prestigious brand names including: Airlock, Calvin Klein, Chloé, Columbia, Diane von Furstenberg, DKNY, Donna Karan, Dragon, Flexon, Karl Lagerfeld, Lacoste, Lanvin, Liu Jo, Longchamp, Marchon NYC, Marni, MCM, Nautica, Nike, Nine West, Pure, Salvatore Ferragamo, Skaga and Victoria Beckham. 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 Global® company, which is a doctor governed organization focused on connecting its 88 million members to affordable, accessible, high quality eye care and eyewear. For more information, visit www.marchon.com and follow @marchoneyewear.
