Eyeglass Frames (plastic)

Material Composition Assumptions

A typical plastic eyeglass frame weighs approximately 25 grams and consists primarily of cellulose acetate derived from wood pulp and cotton fibers. The frame material represents roughly 85% of the total weight at 21 grams, while additional components including hinges, screws, and nose pads contribute the remaining 4 grams. Alternative materials increasingly used include recycled plastic sourced from PET bottles and mixed plastic waste, bio-based acetate manufactured from plant sources, recycled ocean plastic, and bio-based resins derived from castor oil. These sustainable alternatives typically maintain similar weight profiles while offering reduced environmental impact compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

Manufacturing Geography

China serves as the primary manufacturing hub for plastic eyeglass frames, accounting for the majority of global production volume. The country’s established supply chains, specialized manufacturing expertise, and proximity to raw material sources make it the dominant production region. Chinese manufacturing facilities operate with a grid intensity of 574 gCO2/kWh according to IEA data, which significantly influences the carbon footprint of frame production. The concentration of acetate suppliers, injection molding facilities, and finishing operations within Chinese industrial zones creates economies of scale but also contributes to higher emissions due to the coal-heavy electricity grid.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	574 gCO2/kWh	42	Baseline
Japan	462 gCO2/kWh	38	-9.5%
Germany	366 gCO2/kWh	35	-16.7%
France	79 gCO2/kWh	28	-33.3%
Italy	257 gCO2/kWh	32	-23.8%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit detailed material composition data showing the specific type and percentage of plastic or acetate used, including any recycled content percentages and sourcing documentation.

2. Provide manufacturing facility energy consumption records including electricity usage, renewable energy percentage, and local grid emission factors for the specific production location.

3. Document transportation and logistics data covering shipping distances, transport modes, and packaging materials from raw material suppliers through final distribution.

4. Supply waste and efficiency metrics from the manufacturing process, particularly material utilization rates and cutting waste percentages during frame production.

5. Include end-of-life treatment information if frames are designed for specific recycling programs or use biodegradable materials with documented decomposition rates.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions for a single plastic eyeglass frame weighing 25 grams, excluding lenses and final retail packaging.

• Scope 3 emissions dominate the footprint due to raw material extraction, polymer production, and transportation requirements across global supply chains.

• The functional unit covers one complete frame including hinges and hardware but excludes prescription lenses, cases, or cleaning accessories.

• Material waste during manufacturing significantly impacts the total footprint, with cutting processes typically discarding substantial portions of raw acetate sheets.

• Regional grid intensity variations substantially affect Scope 2 emissions, particularly for energy-intensive polymer processing and frame molding operations.

• Data gaps exist around specific supplier practices, renewable energy adoption rates, and material sourcing transparency within the eyewear industry supply chain.