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More sustainable sun lenses materials

Polyamide and polycarbonate sun lens materials with certified lower fossil resource use

ZEISS Sunlens is improving selected production processes and material sourcing to reduce the use of fossil-based resources in specific sun lens materials. As part of these efforts, ZEISS Sunlens offers a portfolio of polyamide and polycarbonate sun lens materials made with partially bio-based or bio-circular inputs (mass-balance approach).

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Improving more sustainable sun lens production with selected materials and processes

ZEISS Sunlens continuously refines selected aspects of its sun lens production by combining specific materials with manufacturing processes designed to reduce environmental impact in specific areas. These measures include the partial substitution of fossil-based inputs with certified partially bio-based and bio-circular alternatives, the use of biomass from agricultural and forestry sources, increased use of renewable energy, and the application of a certified mass-balance approach. The related effects on specific indicators, including CO2 emissions and resource use, are quantified, documented, and certified.

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Polyamide sun lens material with certified bio-based components

Our sustainable nylon sun lens material delivers the same exceptional strength, flexibility, and durability as conventional polyamide while incorporating selected measures intended to reduce specific environmental impacts compared with standard sun lens polyamide.

These measures include the partial substitution of fossil-based raw materials with certified partially bio-based and bio-circular inputs, the use of renewable energy in selected production steps, and the application of a mass-balance approach.  

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LightPro Technology® sun lens material with certified bio-based inputs

Produced with a sustainable formulation, LightPro Technology® by ZEISS Sunlens combines the benefits of a polarised lens with the ability to preserve depth perception and visual details. It reduces disruptive glare while ensuring excellent readability on digital screens, making it ideal for today’s digital lifestyles.

For this material, ZEISS Sunlens uses a revised formulation that includes the partial replacement of fossil-based raw materials with certified bio-based inputs in defined production steps, following a mass-balance approach.  

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Polarised polyamide with certified bio-based components

The ZEISS Sunlens polarised polyamide is also available in a version made using selected materials and production measures, with the partial replacement of fossil-based raw materials with certified bio-based inputs (with mass-balance approach) in defined production steps, while maintaining the high performance and advanced visual comfort of the standard material.

Thanks to its special microstructure, the polarised lens selectively blocks horizontally oriented light waves. This reduces glare and provides clearer, more relaxed vision in very intense light conditions. 

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Polycarbonate for snow goggle shapes with certified bio-circular inputs

ZEISS Sunlens polycarbonate for snow goggle shapes is also available in a version with partially bio-circular ingredients in defined production steps. These inputs are derived from biological residues from agriculture, forestry or related sectors. Their allocation to specific products follows a certified mass-balance approach.

Known for its high impact resistance and performance, it delivers the same outstanding efficiency and durability that eyewear professionals rely on.  

More sustainable polyamide sun lens production process

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Certified mass-balance approach applied across the value chain

Selected ZEISS Sunlens materials are produced using a certified mass-balance approach. Under this approach, bio-based and fossil-based raw materials are processed within the same production infrastructure. The share of certified partially bio-based input is then allocated to specific products according to defined certification rules.

The amount of certified bio-based input is verified, tracked, and allocated through third-party certification, on-site audits, and documented bookkeeping by independent organisations.

The certified partially bio-based and partially bio-circular inputs used in the lens production value chain are sourced from wood- and agriculture-related streams. These include bio-circular feedstock derived from biological residues from agriculture, forestry, and related sectors.

For specific materials and production steps, the resulting environmental effects can be quantified. Further information on the scope, methodology, and limitations is available upon request.  

International certifications supporting a documented approach to material sourcing

ZEISS Sunlens follows a documented approach to using partially bio-based and bio-circular raw materials. Relevant steps in the production chain are assessed against recognised international certification standards, following a mass-balance approach.

The relevant production-chain steps are assessed under recognised certification schemes:

  • REDcert², developed for the use of biomass in the chemical industry, is applied to polyamide-based lenses, including Standard Polyamide, Polarised Polyamide, and LightPro Technology®.
  • ISCC PLUS, used in connection with bio-circular raw materials, is applied to the polycarbonate used for large goggle shapes.  

ZEISS approach to sustainability-related governance and value creation

As a foundation-owned company, ZEISS integrates sustainability-related aspects into its business strategy and governance structures. This approach is part of ZEISS’s broader value creation model, which also includes innovation and long-term profitable growth.

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