MODIP

Museum of Design in Plastics

After a meeting with Susan Lambert, Head of MoDIP, I discovered the potentials of eco-materials as plastics. There are very few that are eco and durable at the same time. Injection moulding seems like a route that we may be able to find a solution. 

Most sunglasses are made out of cellulose acetate however this does not biodegrade well. 

Another idea for creating the frames, might be through using 3D printing.

A product that Susan showed me was a Tom Dixon picnic set, made entirely out of biodegradable materials which can be placed within compost waste at the end of it's necessity. The colours do not necessarily have to be black. the marbled effect we are looking for could be achieved through using different water soluble resins. Although the products can be dissolved in water, they are able to withstand water for a short time. therefore if the sunglasses are dropped in the pool on holiday, they shall be safe. As the crockery is able to stand boiling water, they too shall be able to withstand the heat of the sun.

The only problem i have found from using this material is the weight. Eyewear has to be lightweight and this bamboo resin isn't the lightest, however this can be compromised if the frame is minimal and slim.

I especially like the shine and feel of this material.