Sustainability in eyewear: from the environment to inclusion

Environmental and social sustainability, with a special focus on inclusivity, has long been a core topic at MIDO.

During these three days, the show highlighted the eyewear industry’s commitment to a transformation already in progress, tackling key questions like the circular economy, climate change and social inequalities. Attention centered on how these challenges can be overcome within the supply chain, starting from production processes to the final product and workplace environment.

One of the most significant aspects that came to light is the role of quality as an essential element of sustainability. A sustainable product must be durable and comply with strict and increasingly precise standards defined by European regulations. Businesses are asked to integrate less impactful production models, adopting responsible policies capable not only of reducing environmental impact but also offering competitive advantages, improving company efficiency, attracting talent and building customer loyalty. Speaking on these and many other topics of interest today was Anna Zandanel, Sustainability and Innovation Design Consultant, who highlighted the key role of companies in slowing climate change and adopting more responsible production policies.

In addition to environmental sustainability, the importance of an inclusive approach that enhances the individual’s well-being and promotes a corporate culture respectful of the differences was highlighted. “More and more companies are realizing that inclusive language is not only an ethical choice, but also a valuable tool for building a solid corporate culture that is attractive to talent,” stated ANFAO Vice President Sabrina Paulon. The use of words can encourage or hinder dialog through “bridge words”, that facilitate communication – and “killer words”, that can, even inadvertently, be exclusionary or reinforce stereotypes.