Recycling Transformation: Transforming Cigarette Butts into Eyeglass Frames in a Closed-Loop System
In an inspiring move towards sustainability, Italian eyewear company Essequadro has launched the "Oscar" project in collaboration with the "Smoking Glasses" team from the "G. De Gruttola" Institute in Ariano Irpino. This groundbreaking initiative aims to transform cigarette waste into a valuable resource for the production of high-quality, eco-friendly eyeglass frames.
The process begins with the collection and cleaning of cigarette butts, which mainly consist of cellulose acetate filters mixed with residual tobacco and chemicals. After thorough cleaning to remove contaminants, tar, and other residues, the filters are processed to isolate the cellulose acetate fibers.
Cellulose acetate, a type of plastic derived from cellulose (plant-based material), is commonly used in manufacturing eyeglass frames. After extraction, the cellulose acetate undergoes purification steps to remove impurities, and the material is then reconstituted into usable sheets or pellets suitable for manufacturing.
These recycled cellulose acetate sheets are transformed into raw materials that can be molded, cut, and polished to create stylish and durable eyewear frames. By leveraging the naturally plastic-based composition of cigarette filters, Essequadro’s "Oscar" project effectively diverts hazardous waste from landfills and turns it into valuable, sustainable eyewear components.
The "Oscar" project is part of a larger collaboration between Essequadro and the "Smoking Glasses" team, who are monitoring the project during the 2023-2024 school year. The initiative aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using cigarette waste to produce eyeglass frames as part of a broader movement towards sustainability in the production of consumer goods.
Essequadro, an Irpinian company with over 50 years of experience in the sector, has embraced the sustainability movement by using waste materials in their production processes. The company has partnered with the Institute for Composite and Biomaterials (Ipcb) of the National Research Council (Cnr) to develop a project focused on extracting acetate from cigarette butts and preparing the secondary raw material for the production of eyeglass frames.
Cigarette butts are a common environmental pollutant, making up part of the top ten waste contributors to pollution. By using cellulose acetate in the production of eyeglass frames, Essequadro is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly industry. The "Oscar" project has been patented by Essequadro and represents a significant contribution to the fight against pollution and the promotion of sustainable practices in the eyewear industry.
- In line with their commitment to sustainability, Essequadro, a company with over 50 years of experience, is working on a project with the Institute for Composite and Biomaterials (Ipcb) of the National Research Council (Cnr).
- The goal of this project, called "Oscar," is to transform cigarette waste into a resource for producing high-quality, eco-friendly eyeglass frames, bridging the gap between environmental science and lifestyle.
- As part of the collaboration, the "Smoking Glasses" team is monitoring the project during the 2023-2024 school year, demonstrating the potential of this initiative in the home-and-garden sector and promoting sustainable living.
4.this innovative approach, using cellulose acetate from cigarette butts, not only contributes to reducing pollution in the environment but also leverages technology to create stylish and durable eyewear frames, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly industry.
