WWMO: MEET MAZZUCCHELLI, OUR BIO ACETATE PRODUCER

In our last blog, we introduced you to our main material; bioacetate. Unpacking its origins, raw materials, benefits and shortcomings, we delved into why we’ve chosen to use it and what our plans are for this material in the future. Now it's time to shine a spotlight on our supplier; Mazzucchelli.

When it comes to sourcing a bio acetate producer, there are two key considerations we take into account - quality and location. In line with our goals for zero waste, we want to ensure our materials and final products travel as short a distance as possible before making it to us, and when they do arrive they withstand the test of time. Fortunately for us, Mazzucchelli ticks both boxes.

Nestled in the valleys near Lake Como, our bio acetate producer Mazzucchelli is just 460km from our workshop where we make our eyewear, and they’ve been honing their craft for 175 years. Founded in 1849, Mazzucchelli's origins were in the production of buttons made of animal horn and tortoiseshell, but over the last two centuries, they have been pioneering in their craft, pushing material innovations and eventually becoming industry leaders in cellulose acetate production - a material that can perfectly replicate the beautiful patterns of tortoiseshell, with none of the cruelty, and far better performance.

The original Mazzucchelli factory has passed through six generations, and their dedication to craftsmanship and innovation shows. In 2010 Mazzucchelli patented M49, the bio acetate we use in our frames today, made from 68% natural and renewable sources, then, in 2020, Mazzucchelli partnered with Eastman to produce Acetate Renew, an acetate made with a 28% recycled content. Acetate Renew is a promising material, but with Eastman's facilities based in the USA, there are currently barriers to exporting our waste.

For now, our collection is proudly crafted from M49. Explore the range or learn more about bio acetate in our last WWMO blog post, How Bio is Bio Acetate.