In an industry built on helping people see more clearly, a sharper focus on sustainability is coming into view. This Earth Day, Eyecare Business rounds up the latest efforts from across the eyewear and eyecare landscape—where innovation isn’t just about optics, but impact.
The following updates highlight a growing shift: sustainability is no longer a side initiative, but an increasingly central part of how the industry defines progress.
Closing the Lens Loop
Bausch + Lomb reports that its One by One Recycling program, developed with TerraCycle, has collected and recycled more than 119 million units of contact lenses and related materials in the United States. The initiative aims to reduce waste from items not typically accepted in municipal recycling streams while supporting broader environmental and charitable efforts. Learn more.
Earthy Edge
Charmant USA and Eddie Bauer are partnering with American Forests on an Earth Month initiative supporting reforestation efforts: A portion of proceeds from Eddie Bauer eyewear sales will be donated to American Forests throughout April 2026. According to the companies, each dollar contributed will fund the planting of 1 tree. To learn more and see some biodegradable eyewear styles, click here.
Made Better Promise
CooperVision introduces its Made Better Promise, a global sustainability platform focused on reducing environmental impact across the product lifecycle. The initiative launches with the MyDay daily disposable lenses, highlighting advances in materials, manufacturing efficiency, and plastic waste reduction. Read on.
One Frame, One Tree
Eco Eyewear is expanding its “One Frame, One Tree” program, which links each frame sold to a tree planted through its partnership with Trees for the Future. The long-running initiative has surpassed 4.2 million trees planted and supports reforestation, carbon reduction, and community-based farming systems. Learn more.
Eyes on the Planet
EssilorLuxottica marks its 2026 Sustainability Week with initiatives highlighting progress under its “Eyes on the Planet” strategy, including expanded renewable energy use and emissions reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. The company outlined ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency and scale lower-carbon operations across its global network. Read on.
Sustainable Strides
Hoya Vision Care released a sustainability update outlining its progress across environmental and social commitments, including reductions in carbon emissions, energy use, and water consumption. The report also details accelerated goals, such as achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030, alongside ongoing efforts to expand global access to vision care. Learn more.