WAITING FOR THE SUN

The world's first sustainable concept eyewear brand, based in Paris, France.
The brand was founded in 2010 by Antoine Mocquard and Julien Tual, who were then working at the Colette art gallery in Paris and as graphic designers for Christian Lacroix.

All eyeglass frames are made from materials such as bio-acetate made from wood fiber, recycled metal frames, and Beta Steel frames, which are nickel-free and hypoallergenic.

The plastic packaging for the glasses is made from cassava, the raw material for tapioca, and the accompanying outer box, hard case, lens cloth, etc. are all made from recycled materials.

Currently, WAITING FOR THE SUN's main collection is categorized into the following three materials:
• Bioacetate • Recycled Metal • Betasteel

<Bioacetate>
In the eyewear industry, waste accounts for 70-80% of the total weight of materials involved in the production process. We struggled to find a material that was suitable for sunglasses and would have the least negative impact on the planet. Cotton, which is primarily used for acetate, was quickly ruled out as a material for WAITING FOR THE SUN because it requires a lot of water to grow.
WAITING FOR THE SUN bioacetate is recyclable. We collect waste from machining processes and reuse some of it in the manufacturing process of our materials. Our bioacetate is made from wood fiber. Contrary to popular belief, the wood industry is actually not that bad for the planet. Well-managed and well-grown forests contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Growing trees release more oxygen and absorb more CO2 than aging trees.

Our plastic frames are 100% biodegradable plastic. This bioacetate has been verified and certified (ISO14855 compliant) by OWS (Organic Waste Systems), an internationally recognized independent laboratory specializing in biodegradability testing.

Ordinary acetate contains phthalates as plasticizers to give it flexibility and make it easier to process. Phthalates are chemicals present in the environment that are thought to cause abnormal hormonal effects in living organisms, and in Europe, the United States, and Japan, the use of phthalates in toys and other products for young children is prohibited. We realized that we needed to think not only about the earth but also about our customers, so we developed bio-acetate, which does not contain any of these ingredients.

<Recycled metal>
The nickel alloy used in WAITING FOR THE SUN frames is made entirely from scraps generated during the production process.

<Beta Steel>
Betasteel is the newest addition to the WAITING FOR THE SUN collection. Made from German stainless steel and made with over 50% recycled materials, the frames are made in Korea.
The material used is Beta Steel, but more accurately, stainless steel. Stainless steel is composed of metals and elements such as iron, chromium, and nickel, and is known for its rust-resistant properties. It is used in watches and other products. While regular stainless steel contains nickel, which makes it one of the most hypoallergenic materials, Beta Steel does not contain nickel. While retaining its rust-resistant properties, it is less likely to cause metal allergy symptoms. Furthermore, this material is stronger than beta titanium, reducing distortion during use. The frames are made from 100% recycled materials, making them 100% recyclable. All rim wires are made in Germany, with final production taking place in Korea. The latest collection also includes a combination model made from Beta Steel and bioacetate.