Materials

Environmentally-conscious material use inspired the conception of Coast and will always be integral to every product we develop. We want to create a new norm in the industry for conscious material use. We aim to achieve this by proving the implementation of materials with a lesser impact can obtain comparable or better performance. This meticulous selection of materials extends to our whole range of eyewear and apparel.

Glasses

FRAME - BIO-TR90 (50% Bio-based content)

Bio-TR90 is an advanced thermoplastic material that is much more environmentally friendly than it's non bio-based counterparts, since it is derived from renewable plant sources instead of fossil fuels. This significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with its production.

We chose this particular grade as it also carries great properties for use as a glasses frame material. It's incredibly durable, flexible and lightweight. Allowing for extremely comfortable, all-day wear.

Another important aspect in adopting a less impactful material, is its recyclability. Bio-based plastics are chemically identical to fossil-fuel based plastics, meaning they are fully recyclable. We also offer a circularity scheme to take back old frames to recycle into new ones.

Our specific grade is derived from castor oil, a natural non-toxic resource that doesn't require pesticides or chemicals to grow. The oil is extracted from castor seeds and processed into biopolymers that can be molded into different shapes. Under certain conditions, castor oil-based plastics can also be biodegradable.

Goggles

FRAME - BIO-TPU + PC

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is 100% recyclable and biodegradable in certain grades. It is an advanced material that is much more environmentally friendly than alternatives, such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).

TPU also carries great properties for it's use as a goggle frame material. It is flexible, UV resistant, very durable and extremely impact absorbent. However, TPU is still an all-virgin material, which requires a lot of energy and resources to create.

To reduce our impact, we use bio-based grade. Bio-TPU is partially derived from renewable resources, with a recycled content of 48%. Bio-TPU offers a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based TPU, whilst maintaining the quality and performance required to tackle the gnarliest of trails and conditions.

Our frame is also co-injection moulded with Polycarbonate (PC). Which to be transparent, doesn't have much environmental merit in its virgin form, beside being recyclable and extremely durable. For this specific application, we can't compromise by using a recycled or bio-based grade, in order to ensure we are offering the most durable and long lasting product possible. As material development evolves, we are confident we will be able to offer an alternative in the future.

Outriggers and clips - Bio-PC

We are currently introducing a bio-based Polycarbonate into the line. This is especially exciting as it's such a recent advancement in material sustainability. This counterpart is made from renewable biomass feedstocks, such as plant sugars or agricultural waste.

Strap and Microfibre Bag

Recycled Polyester

We chose to make our goggle strap and microfibre bags from Recycled Polyester (RPET) over virgin polyester to help reduce the number of plastic bottles that end up in landfill. Plastic bottles are reused in the fibre production process of recycled polyester and this in turn has major benefits for reducing contamination of the earth, as well as water and air pollution. The use of RPET also leads to a reduction in the use of petroleum, which is used in the creation of virgin polyester.

Recycled polyester results in huge energy savings (up to 45%) during the fibre production process compared to virgin polyester. Choosing recycled polyester over its virgin counterpart also means a 20% reduction in water consumption and 30% less CO2 emissions during production.

Lenses

Polycarbonate (PC)

While the majority of our materials are selected with sustainability in mind, we believe in being transparent. Our lenses are made from Polycarbonate (PC). This is one of the few materials we use that isn’t the most environmentally friendly option. However, after extensive research, we couldn’t overlook the unmatched safety advantages that PC lenses provide. Polycarbonate offers exceptional impact resistance, durability, and clarity, ensuring your eyes are protected in even the most demanding conditions.

Safety will always come first, but so will our responsibility to the planet. We’re continuously exploring new technologies and sustainable alternatives and are committed to making the switch as soon as we can achieve the same high level of safety and performance.

tees

Recycled Polyester, Organic Cotton and TENCEL Modal

An average of six recycled plastic bottles are recycled to make the polyester in our tees. This recycled polyester makes up 50% of the material content in each of our garments!

Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilisers and build biologically diverse agriculture.

TENCEL Modal fibres are derived from certified, sustainable wood sources. Wood pulp from beech and eucalyptus trees are made into fibres that can then be spun. The structure of these anti-bacterial fibres allow for superior temperature regulation and a softer touch than other materials.

As well as allowing us to achieve crisper, more eye-catching prints, the use of water-based inks in our tees is far more environmentally friendly than plastic-based inks that use petroleum and other fossil fuels in their creation. Our inks are also water-soluble, meaning no harmful chemicals are required for cleaning after the printing process, reducing the leaching of harmful chemicals into water sources.

Packaging

Zero Plastic

In-keeping with our ethos of sustainable material use, our packaging is no different. Where possible, we salvage packaging materials from local businesses in Whistler, including the bike shop we work at. When salvaged packaging is not available or appropriate, we pride ourselves on sourcing the most sustainable materials available. So rest assured your products will arrive safe and sound with a minimal environmental footprint.