GLCO (Garrett Leight Californian Optical) is the epitome of Californian cool, designed and Hand finished in the Arts District, Downtown Los Angeles. In February 2022, Garrett Leight launched their very first eco-friendly collection with the introduction of an innovative, sustainable material — an eco-acetate that is bio-based and biodegradable derived from vegetable starch and bioethanol. By utilizing this formula consisting of mostly composed materials from renewable sources, they limit their use of fossil fuels and reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases, without compromising on the style and quality of their product.
GLCO uses the most exclusive, highest quality materials from the best suppliers in the industry including Italy, Japan and China; who have hundreds of years of industry experience.
To bring their designs to life, GLCO have partnered with an incredible family-owned factory in China, which allows them to manufacture the eyewear ethically and at a fair price without sacrificing quality.
Below are a few key points about the GLCO factory in China, reflective of their efforts towards sustainable and ethical manufacturing:
- Solar panels provide an alternate energy source.
- Production wastewater treatment with zero-emission.
Production Line Efficiency:
- automatic cutting machines are used to cut the acetate which produces a low scrap rate. The frames are then handed polished, buffed, and assembled by craftsmen and engineers in the factory.
- The acetate nose pad process is chemical-free, using only friction to adhere the nose pad onto the frame front (many other factories use an intense adhesive that factory employees have to breathe in while they apply nose pads).
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In addition to providing shelter and schooling for the children of the factory employees, their owned and operated farm, located next to the factory, provides organic vegetables for the community. Enzymes are for vegetable washing to avoid harsh chemicals.
Every year a donation is made to the Local Disabled People’s Federation (Dongguan Disabled Persons Federation). A program to hire disabled people is also active and to date, they have hired 37 disabled people.
Cutting-edge technology, skilled craftsmen, and craftswomen as well as a community project supporting organic agriculture is why we are proud to partner with our factory in China. Additionally, our lenses are produced in Italy by manufacturers who are leading the industry in environmentally friendly practices and eyewear materials.
