Costa Sunglasses are well-known as a premium product, with a premium price tag. Now the company says it is doing its part protecting our environment by manufacturing a line of glasses created from recycled plastic. (Contributed Photo)
Costa Sunglasses Casts New Marketing Net
by Richard Simms
As an outdoor writer, I get a lot of e-mails from various companies about new products. More often than it is the same old song and dance, inspiring me to simply hit the “Delete” key. But a recent release from Costa Sunglasses caught my eye (pun intended).
Many environmental groups, including the Tennessee Aquarium in my hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, have been bemoaning the massive increase in “microplastics” infiltrating our waterways. They say every year, an average of 8.8 million tons of plastic fragments or manufactured plastic objects measuring smaller than five millimeters across enter the ocean. There, they are consumed by microscopic organisms and eventually work their way up the food chain to humans.
Costa Sunglasses now says it is doing its part to try and reduce plastics in the water by manufacturing ‘The Untangled Collection,’ sunglasses built from recycled fishing nets. They say the frames are created from 97 percent recycled fishing nets, what they call “the most harmful form of plastic pollution in our oceans.” Apparently expecting skepticism, the company says the “NetPlus” material has a 100 percent traceable supply chain.
“Costa has always been deeply rooted in conservation. We strive to source traceable, sustainable materials and incorporate water-friendly principles into our products, our brand—and our daily lives,” says Jessica Bryant, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Costa Sunglasses. “When you look through a pair of Untangled sunglasses, you share our vision for healthier oceans.”
There are four choices, each starting at the Costa characteristic $199 (the reason I have never purchased a pair of Costa’s).
Is it a serious effort to improve the environment or very ingenious marketing ploy?
You decide, but if you’re interested in learning more you can go here.
