Wires
Creating an eyewear brand that has design, innovation and sustainability at its core.
Wires Glasses are redefining eyewear: a unique invisible hinge mechanism, 3D printed rims and freely adjustable temples not only put the wearer at the forefront of innovation, but also offer an inimitable comfort level.
“The eyewear industry is a $120 billion market in which plastic is the main source of raw material”
From Circular Design Europe.
Traditional eyewear production wastes 70-80% of the plastic material used.
In fashion it’s now possible to rent, repair, patch and swap clothes, but what about eyewear? BILLIONS of pairs of glasses are made every year and MILLIONS are thrown away. What's more, traditional glasses are made using Subtractive Manufacturing techniques, meaning that material is cut away from a block to leave behind the desired shape (and a lot of waste!)
Revolutionizing eyewear manufacturing for fashion and sustainability
We 3D print our rims producing minimal waste and use a bio material, made from the castor plant. Our frame also includes a stainless steel wire with a patented invisible hinge without the need for screws. This further enables us to be agile with our production processes, as we can print in small batches according to sales demand.
We have also designed a modular system that allows the rims to be easily removed and changed. This means you only need one Wire that fits with multiple types of rims, saving both money and raw materials.
If your lens gets scratched or damaged, you don’t need to throw the glasses away. You can simply pull off the damaged rims unit – place it in the recycling bin – and order a replacement. For us this means a business model which allows for repeat customers whilst at the same time committing to reduced waste.
Minimizing waste and valuing design innovation
By following the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guide, we employed our Planet Centric Design methodology to develop solutions to individual problems that have wider planetary benefits.
The first collection of Wires was handcrafted by a small team of artisans in Harare, Zimbabwe, using the African wire craft tradition. They are now handmade by a family-run eyewear specialist workshop in Northern Italy. As a company, we ensure that all of our employees are paid above the living wage, and we offer a flexible working environment. Our suppliers are required to follow our Code of Conduct which outlines our requirements and expectations. This follows SDG 8, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
We then designed a patented invisible hinge to allow the glasses to fold, and this initiative contributes to SDG 9, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.
By using bio-nylons, we strive to reduce the demand for petroleum based plastics - which currently accounts for 4% of all oil usage globally thus supporting SDG 12, ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.
We firmly believe that quality and equality are connected. We are committed to increasing our positive impact through our supply chain and our future innovations.
Growing businesses for the better
Vanloops
Modular soles for unique people
Roche Navify™
Tumor Board
Save valuable time in tumor board coordination and patient case preparation
Impossible Wardrobe
Helping people be more conscious about clothing and the environment.