Environmental responsibility

A responsible business
The ambition to introduce circular flows in the operations is an important cornerstone of Synsam’s environmental work. Production, consumption and reuse must be interlinked and transparent. Synsam works continually to identify and improve processes in its value chain by setting high demands for both its own organisation and its suppliers. An important part of this effort in 2023 was the continued development of bio-based materials at Synsam’s production and innovation centre on Frösön in Sweden.

Design and product development with raw materials 
The work of developing long-lasting products that can be recycled starts at the design table and with the sourcing of raw materials. Synsam integrates sustainability into the design of its frames through its innovation and development process. The Group continually tests potential new designs and materials in its search for improvements.

Spectacles made from bio-materials
An important part of the effort to reduce the Group’s environmental impact is to constantly increase the share of bio-materials and to create products with long life spans. During the year, Synsam increased the proportion of frames and cases made from eco-materials as the Swedish-made Jämtö collection was expanded. Synsam is preparing to expand the use of recycled and biological materials and production through its production and innovation centre on Frösön. New sustainable materials for future production are tested at the centre. Synsam actively engages in its own sustainability initiatives such as Synsam Outlet and the Sea2See collection in order to encourage reuse and recycling. In this way, Synsam makes it easier for customers to buy second-hand frames and frames made from reused and recycled materials.

Customers help to recycle and reuse spectacles
Customers can return their spectacles for reuse and recycling in Synsam’s stores. Synsam accepts all types of spectacles and sunglasses from all brands, even those that were not sold or made by the Group. The volume is sorted and products that the store perceives to be fault-free are then sent to Synsam’s own workshop. During the year, the workshop received 133,623 pairs of spectacles and sunglasses. After going through and preparing the items, the workshop then forwarded 52,710 products to Synsam Outlet.

The Sea2See collection
100 percent recycled plastic from the ocean is used in the production of Synsam’s Sea2See spectacle collection. The frames have been developed in collaboration with the Spanish organisation Sea2See which, with the help of local fishermen, collects, sorts and manufactures new products from the growing amount of plastic floating in the world’s oceans.

Synsam takes responsibility for all parts of the production process
The production of Synsam’s own spectable brands currently takes place at the Group’s production and innovation centre on Frösön as well as with the help of suppliers in Asia and Europe. Regardless of where production takes place, Synsam always strives towards production that takes responsibility for all parts of the production process. The greatest environmental impact in the production of spectacle frames and lenses comes from the use of chemicals, water consumption and energy supply.

Scope 1 and 2 climate impact assessments
Read more about Synsam’s climate impact assessments in Synsam Groups Annual and Sustainability Report 2023