Johanna Skans is a regular contributor to the Danish Optical Magazine OPTIKEREN, where she delves into topics concerning sustainability in the eyewear industry. In this edition, published in December 2023, she highlights how the optical industry is evolving to embrace social and environmental responsibility by integrating sustainability into business practices to meet eco-conscious consumer demands and promote a better world. Enjoy the reading!

In our ever-changing world, running a successful optical business means more than just providing vision correction and making a profit. It's about embracing a grander responsibility that leaves a positive mark on society and the environment.

Businesses across diverse sectors are experiencing a profound awakening. They're realizing that their role extends beyond profit generation, evolving into champions of social and environmental causes. The optical industry is no exception.

Some companies in the optical realm, both retailers and eyewear suppliers, are taking proactive steps to address the environmental impact of their operations. They're integrating sustainability into every facet of their business, from product design to supply chain management and customer relations. Their efforts include using recycled materials, reducing water consumption, optimizing transportation, and minimizing waste. This eco-conscious approach not only benefits our planet but also resonates with an increasingly environmentally aware consumer base. These consumers actively support eco-conscious brands, and their choices reflect their values.

But it's not just about being ecologically responsible; it's about being socially responsible too. Fair labor practices are becoming an integral part of these companies' missions, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to education for their workers. This commitment to social justice extends through every aspect of their operations, from the factory floor to the customer interactions. Their commitment extends from supporting businesses owned by minority groups, including women and LGBTQ individuals, to generous donations of vision aid.

Sustainability is not just about creating eyewear from ocean plastic; it's a mindset and a way of doing business that considers the long-term impact on our environment, society, and the economy. It's a pathway to a brighter future, and it's not merely a passing trend; it's a thriving movement, a fundamental shift in how we operate.

Sustainability is not just about creating eyewear from ocean plastic; it's a mindset and a way of doing business.

In a world where sustainability is not just an option but an essential choice, it's a matter of being a frontrunner or lagging behind. Optical businesses have the opportunity to secure their future by embracing sustainable practices today. Beyond enhancing your brand's image, attracting and retaining customers and employees, and tapping into a growing market of eco-conscious consumers, this transition enables you to actively contribute to creating a better world.

Many optical businesses have already taken significant steps like implementing recycling programs and reducing plastic use. Now, let's aim higher. Educate yourself and your employees on sustainable business management and inspire others to follow suit. Opt to display eyewear brands committed to giving back to both people and the planet, removing those that don't align with these values.

Envision a world where companies assume responsibility for the consequences of their actions, where businesses are not just part of the problem but integral to the solution. It's time to do more than buy or sell eyeglasses; it's time to be part of a transformative movement that makes a positive impact on the world. Make conscious decisions and make a meaningful difference. Together, we can contribute to a better world, one pair of glasses at a time.

Read the original article in Danish here.