It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the word "sustainability" when so many brands use it without backing it up. Finding truly eco-friendly fashion can feel like a challenge—we get it!
The bigger you grow as a brand, the more responsibility you carry. At Flo & Frankie, we like to support and spotlight brands making real, meaningful changes.
Isle of Eden is one such standout. They’ve mastered the balance between growth and sustainability, from eco-friendly materials to impactful initiatives like upcycling and beach cleanups. They’re proving that fashion can be both stunning and future-focused.
Read on to learn more about the meaningful steps Isle of Eden takes to build a sustainable business.
Eco-Friendly Frames: Bio & Recycled Acetates
Ever thought about what your sunnies are made of? Isle of Eden has…
All their frames are developed using the best eco-friendly materials they can find. In fact, their frames are crafted from bio-based and recycled acetates , sourced from wood and cotton pulp.
Let’s break it down:
- Recycled Acetates: These are made from acetate offcuts and scraps from the manufacturing process. They’re sorted by colour, crushed, dried, and granulated into new acetate sheets. Giving materials a second life.
- Bio-based Acetates: Made using a vegetable plasticiser (instead of oil-based), these frames are over 90% biodegradable within 180 days in controlled conditions.
Trade In, Upgrade, Upcycle
Got an old pair of Isle of Eden sunnies? Don’t toss them!
Isle of Eden offers a trade-in program where you can send in your old frames to be recycled, upcycled, or even donated. In return, you’ll get a sweet discount on your next purchase.
Affordable Repairs: Because Life Happens
Let’s be real—sunglasses get dropped, sat on, and stuffed in bags. But that doesn’t mean they’re done for. Isle of Eden believes in repairing rather than discarding.
Got a scratch? Loose frame? No worries. Send them in, and they’ll fix them up for you, replacing lenses, buffing out scratches, and tightening those frames. Your sunnies will come back looking good as new, and you’ll keep them out of the landfill.
Protecting Coastlines: Litter-Free Beaches
Isle of Eden isn’t just focused on reducing waste—they’re also giving back to the planet. For every pair of sunglasses sold, they donate to Sustainable Coastlines , a charity dedicated to keeping New Zealand’s beaches litter-free.
So, when you buy from Isle of Eden, you’re helping remove plastic and litter from the beautiful shores of Aotearoa.
Turning Waste Into Fences: The Future Post Initiative
Soft plastics are a tricky thing to recycle, but Isle of Eden found a solution. They partner with Future Post , a New Zealand-based company that turns soft plastics into durable farm fences and garden boxes.
Instead of sending their transit plastics to landfill, Isle of Eden collects and sends them to Future Post—where they’re transformed into something useful for the community.
Sustainable Style: Recycled Leather Cases
What about protecting your sunnies? Isle of Eden thought of that too!
Their sunglass cases are made in Spain from recycled leather and natural latex —meaning they’re not just durable but also eco-friendly. And if recycled leather is out of stock, no worries—they offer a gorgeous premium leather pouch made in New Zealand.
At Flo & Frankie we’re proud to align with brands like Isle of Eden, who are walking the talk.
Their focus on creating pieces people truly love and will keep for years is a powerful step toward a more responsible future. So, when it’s time to choose your next pair of sunnies, think Isle of Eden.
