The challenges behind recycled materials for clear prescription lenses

Zander, why is it important for ZEISS Vision Care to work on recycled lens materials?

Responsibility is not just a priority for ZEISS – it is part of our DNA and identity, which is why we are committed to consistently integrating sustainability into every aspect of what we do.²  This of course also includes our lens materials, which we continuously evaluate from the perspective of environmental responsibility and in line with our standards for performance, safety, quality, and trust. The challenge in eyewear is that the prescription lens is the core product, yet it has largely remained the missing piece in sustainability efforts. Frames, packaging, retail environments, manufacturing, and operations have already moved forward in many areas, but a clear prescription lens made from recycled material without compromises is much harder to achieve. That is exactly why it matters. The topic is becoming increasingly relevant for consumers, customers, and future market requirements.³ For ZEISS, this is not about adding a vague “green” message to a product. It is about exploring how resource-related innovation can be combined with the performance, safety, and trust standards expected from prescription lenses. At ZEISS, sustainability is closely linked to long-term value creation and responsible innovation.⁴

What are the main barriers for consumers and eye care professionals when it comes to recycled lens materials?

Both consumers and eye care professionals are open to the idea of recycled content in lenses, but only if performance, safety, and proof are fully convincing. First, everyone wants reassurance that there is no compromise in visual performance or durability. Second, eye care professionals and consumers want to understand what they sell or buy. Therefore, any communication must be transparent, precise, and specific enough to be understood and trusted. And third, because lenses are worn directly in front of the eyes every day, product integrity and wearer safety are especially sensitive topics. So, the barriers are very clear. We know this not only from internal observations, but also from market research in Germany, China, and the US with 2,400 participants.⁵  Success in this category requires a technically equivalent product with independently supported verification.

What has ZEISS Vision Care already achieved in this area, and what comes next?

We have already advanced sustainability-related work in many parts of the business.⁶  What matters now is to translate this discipline into the prescription lens itself in a way that is technically sound and credible in the market. The next step is therefore to build solutions that can be clearly specified and properly verified: what kind of recycled input is used, how it is allocated or traced, which standards are fulfilled, and how lens performance compares with conventional materials. In this category, credibility comes from precision. That is exactly where our work is focused.

Can you briefly explain the product directions ZEISS Vision Care is currently exploring in this area?

At a broad level, we are exploring two directions. One focuses on a closed-loop approach based on recycled lens material. The other looks at using recycled consumer plastic waste as an input stream. In both cases, the objective is the same: to work toward lens materials with a meaningful recycled content contribution while maintaining the optical and physical properties expected from ZEISS lenses and meeting applicable standards and requirements. The key point is that these are not “green” prescription lenses in a superficial sense. They are lens concepts that must combine verified recycled content logic, high product performance, and clear, strong communication.

Thank you for the interview.