Eyespace has launched a demonstration lens recycling programme available to all optical practices and prescription laboratories across the UK.
Emily Andrews, Eyespace product director and chief sustainability officer, said: “This is one of the most significant areas of waste for our industry, and we’ve been repeatedly asked whether demo lenses can be recycled. Until recently this has been a ‘pipe-dream’, however, we’re incredibly proud to be able to offer opticians and Rx labs a new and completely free solution to counter the single-plastic waste that has, until now, been unavoidable.
“In addition to introducing biodegradable demo lenses across the vast majority of Eyespace product, we’re now making it incredibly simple for practices to recycle their waste acrylic demo lenses, preventing them from ending up in landfill where they can take centuries to decompose.”
Eyespace’s demo lens recycling scheme encourages the collection of used acrylic demo lenses, regardless of the brand. When a bag, box, or container is filled simply send them to Eyespace’s head office or request a collection via an Eyespace area sales manager.
The supplier has partnered with a specialist recycling company that can process the plastic demo lenses, melting and compressing them into sheets that can be repurposed for secondary uses, such as fittings in office refurbishments.
Due to the alternative recycling process required for prescription lenses, Eyespace can only accept acrylic demo lenses as part of their scheme.
Emily added: “We’re committed to making bold choices when it comes to sustainability initiatives, and there’s much more to come. Watch this space for what’s next.”