Coast Optics Announces Biodegradable MTB Eyewear with Recycled Materials
Press Release: Coast Optics
Over a year ago, the idea of Coast Optics was conceived after unboxing a big brand goggle order whilst working at our local bike shop. Unwrapping a plastic bag off each plastic box with a goggle made from yet more virgin plastic inside frustrated us. Becoming disillusioned working in an industry that should be at the forefront of sustainability, we knew we could do better.
Born out of necessity, Coast Optics was founded to provide high quality, sustainable, performance eyewear and apparel. The mountain bike industry is currently flooded with single-use plastic products and packaging, with little onus on their environmental impact. By using recycled and lower impact materials, we aim to reduce our environmental footprint and create products that look awesome and perform flawlessly, whilst protecting the environment and the trails we love.
After meticulous research, testing and development we have finally brought this dream to reality and the wheels are now in motion! We are excited to release our first goggle. The Alta MTB.
Alta MTB Goggle
Designed and tested in our beautiful backyard of Whistler, BC, our new performance goggle is a call for change in a dirty industry. Manufactured with recycled materials and a timeless design, you'll be turning heads on the trails with a clear conscience!
- Biodegradable Bio-TPU injection-molded frame with 48% recycled content
- Cylindrical anti-fog and anti-scatch lens with targeted, laser cut holes for superior ventilation
- Recycled polyester strap with durable silicone logo and three layer silicon grippers for maximum grip
- Perforated triple-layer face foam wicks away sweat and increases ventilation
- Rapid lens change system
- Strap colors: Black, Dusty Rose
- Lens combinations: Clear, Crystal Low Light + Clear
- RRP: $99.95 CAD (Clear Lens), $129.95 CAD (Crystal Low Light + Clear Lenses)
- coastoptics.ca
Lost SS Tech Tee
Our soft touch bamboo tech tee is sweat-wicking and anti-microbial. Made for those who not only love the outdoors, but also for those who want to protect it. The Lost Tech Tee is equally suited to all-day alpine epics, dirt jump sessions, post-spin beers at the bar and everything inbetween!
- 70% bamboo fiber, 30% organic cotton blend
- Printed in Vancouver using water-based inks
- Design by local artist Tom Bunney
- Made in Canada
- Pre-washed and pre-shrunk
- Colors: Black, Natural, Forest, Midnight
- Sizes: S-XL
- RRP: $44.95 CAD
- coastoptics.ca
This is just the start and we have some exciting plans for the future. Keep up to date with our latest news on Instagram.
We would also like to give a huge thanks to @the_real_liam_wallace and @matthew.tongue for their beautiful photos, as well as @tombunney for his amazing artwork! We wouldn't be where we are without you!
coastoptics.ca
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Member since Jun 27, 2023
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As far as I am aware greenwashing refers to: ‘the process of conveying a false impression or misleading information about how a company's products are environmentally sound.’ We have made no false claims regarding our material use, production or distribution. We know we aren’t perfect, but feel this is a good start and are excited to improve on this as more funding becomes available.
Ultimately, the most sustainable option is to ‘ride what you brought’ and not consume new, shiny products. However, for when this isn’t an option we have tried to provide a more sustainable alternative for riders.
@warmerdamj: frame and foam flavor option upgrades in development. "eye-PA" is strong contender
They’ll be using the recycled plastic from my Smith Squads…
Questions: If the frame is biodegradable in 2-3 years, what does that mean for the longevity of the frames after 3 years of wear? Also, when this "biodegrades" is it just breaking down into micro-plastic particle?
What country are the googles manufactured in?
Any product that can be made from once used materials is a win for me, especially if it is not at the cost of useful lifespan of the product.
For the frame to biodegrade it has to be kept in quite specific conditions and in the presence of microorganisms to do their thing and breakdown the Bio-TPU. Under these conditions, the resultant, simpler monomers are readily available for organisms to incorporate into nitrogen and carbon cycles. Don't worry, our goggles won't start degrading on your face mid-ride!
Our goggles are currently manufactured in China, however we plan to bring production to Canada in the future. This is obviously far more expensive and there are fairly significant setup costs for this, this is our ultimate goal though!
There is absolutely no sacrifice to the product's lifespan by using the materials we have chosen to use, with a significantly smaller environmental footprint.
We look forward to hearing your feedback if you decide to try out a set of Altas!
Something similar to the Pela phone cases maybe ? Bold claims about sustainability, which don't hold up - youtu.be/96edx7p9KIQ
If these are made with post consumer recycled plastic , how can they be biodegradable as well ? And under what conditions do they biodegrade specifically? Which municipalities actually have facilities to recycle this material ( which is a fraction of the total material of the goggle when you subtract : strap , Lens , protective film, foam , adhesive , strap grip ) how will the recycling centre know what the material is & how to deal with it ?
I'm all for sustainable solutions but this is only a market differentiator like Pela - good for winning the dollars of guilt ridden well-to-do consumers with too many plastic toys.