Innovative sunglasses brand Hawkers has created a new and innovative line, focusing on environmentally friendly materials, that are not only biodegradable, but high quality, too.
Hawkers launched the limited-edition H20 sunglasses line as part of its ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible products. Made from recycled and biodegradable materials, the gender-neutral line of products includes 100 percent sustainable packaging.
A breakthrough, revolutionary production technique to create rugged, fashionable sunglasses that are premium quality and help to preserve the environment, the collection features six models, all made from sustainable plastics and materials collected from the world’s oceans:
One LS Eco Sapphire (blue)
These lifestyle sunglasses include category three biodegradable lenses and are made of biodegradable materials and a metal hinge. Size: 54-16-145.
One LS Eco Black Brown
The lifestyle sunglasses come in a solid black matte and include category three biodegradable lenses and are made of biodegradable materials and a metal hinge. Size: 54-16-145.
Warwick XS Eco Black Blue
The lifestyle sunglasses are a solid black matte, category three biodegradable lens, metal hinge and biodegradable materials. Size: 50-21-145.
Warwick XS Eco Cinnamon
A red blast of colour for these lifestyle sunglasses, and they feature a category three biodegradable lens, metal hinge and biodegradable materials. Size: 54-21-145 .
One Eco Polarized Green
This sportswear sunglasses model is made of a biomass that contains recycled plastic and bamboo. There are bio tac polarized lenses with UV400 protection, a 45-degree cut to soften the frame-to-temple connection and a five-barrel clip hinge. Size: 54-17-140.
One X Eco Havana Pink
These sportswear sunglasses come with a CR39 lens and are composed of a biodegradable acetate material. Size: 54-17-140.
The models with category three lenses carry UV400 protection and anti-glare features. Earpieces on the collection are designed to be wider to provide better ergonomic comfort.
The sunglasses can be disposed of in landfills and biodegrade in five years, and the lenses themselves break down into biomass, carbon dioxide and water. In addition, the sunglasses are packaged to support the environment. The sustainable packaging does not include the plastic wrapping that usually envelops boxes, instead using a tape composed of recycled and recyclable paper.
The H20 packaging also includes a carton box that’s recycled and recyclable; a carrying pouch made from plastic bottles that were recovered from the ocean; a warranty book and storytelling materials made from recycled and recyclable paper; and a polybag made from biodegradable material.
A commitment to sustainability and the environment
Hawkers believes that pollution and deforestation are major factors contributing to global warming with the world being on the verge of a tipping point regarding the environment, and the company believes strongly in being a good corporate citizen.
“We know from first-hand experience how to revolutionise the eyewear industry,” the company recently stated. “So, we also recognize that – having become market leaders – it’s also our responsibility to lead by example by promoting sustainability.”
Hawkers went through exhaustive research and development in creating the H20 product line. The result is a line of sunglasses that uses planet-friendly materials, ground-breaking biomaterials and biodegradable products and well-established techniques for recycling existing plastic materials.
To make this edition of its popular sunglasses, the company collected tens of thousands of plastic bottles that had been littering the ocean. It’s the inspiration behind the H20 name as the company works to reduce the amount of microplastic contamination that can be harmful to aquatic life and the food chain.
Hawkers notes that it will take global collaboration to secure a clean and green future for all of us and pledges that this is the company’s first step of many toward that future. The materials used are high-quality, hypoallergenic and lightweight, and the resistant and durable glasses can be disposed of in a landfill. H20 can generate 935,705 watt hours, providing enough energy to light a 60-watt LED light bulb for 15,595 hours.
Betancourt leadership drives Hawkers growth
The Hawkers story is one of remarkable growth. Founded in 2013, Hawkers has used a savvy approach to marketing and the leadership of executive Alejandro Betancourt Lopez to drive expansion. Today, Hawkers sells online across the globe and has accumulated more than $100 million in sales. Ninety percent of its business comes from online sales, and the company has sold more than 4.5 million pairs of sunglasses.
Betancourt joined the company several years ago when he and a group of investors committed €50 million ($56 million) to Hawkers. Betancourt was named president and began expanding beyond its Spanish base, with growth in Europe, Asia and North America. Betancourt moved on to the O’Hara Administration, a global asset management company that invests in a broad range of businesses. At Hawkers, he has made additional personal investments and is now the company’s largest shareholder.
Hawkers has relied on a unique marketing strategy that leverages social media, sophisticated analytics, campus brand ambassadors and influencers to grow the company. In recent years, Hawkers has pursued partnerships with celebrities, including Lionel Messi and Usher, to expand its offerings. It also has a sponsorship agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers and partnership deals with leading brands, including Kia, Mercedes-Benz, PayPal and Smart.
