Acetate Sunglasses vs. Traditional Plastic Sunglasses
Table of Contents:
- The Fight Between Acetate and Plastic
- What’s The Difference?
- Benefits of Acetate Over Plastic
- Our Recommendation
The Fight Between Acetate and Plastic
Welcome to our comprehensive guide examining the age-old debate: Acetate Sunglasses vs. Traditional Plastic. As eyewear technologies have evolved, the question remains - which material offers unparalleled style, durability, and comfort? Highlighting the key differences, pros and cons, we'll delve into the heart of the matter as we compare Acetate and Plastic sunglasses. Whether you’re contemplating purchasing your first pair or considering a switch, we aim to provide clarity and guide you toward making an informed decision for your eyewear needs.
But what separates the two, and why do we recommend one over the other?
What’s The Difference?
Acetate Sunglasses
Acetate, in short, is a type of plastic — but not all plastic is acetate. Acetate is by no means a regular or (traditional) petroleum based plastic and it's certainly earned it's significant place in the eyewear industry, primarily due its durability and flexibility. Unlike traditional plastic frames that can be brittle and rigid, the inherent flexibility of acetate allows it to adapt to your face for a more comfortable fit and is far less prone to breaking, ensuring your sunglasses can withstand the test of time as well.
They'll stand up better to being sat on in the car*
They're far more environmentally friendly as well, which is the main reason we chose acetate for Big Bear Sunglasses. Those sunglasses (or glasses in general) made with petroleum based plastics can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose.
The exact time frame can vary greatly depending on conditions, but it's typically between 450 to 1,000 years. This is one of the main reasons why this type of plastic is so harmful to the environment and why alternatives like acetate, which is biodegradable and more environmentally friendly, are preferred for products like sunglasses.
Head over to our page on our sunglasses biodegradability page and you'll find the certified tests that show how Big Bear Sunglasses frames will decompose in a few years, not a few hundred. We care about the footprint our products leave after they're discarded.
Plastic Sunglasses
On the other hand, plastic sunglasses are typically made from petroleum-based synthetic plastics. Although they can be cheaper than acetate, they are more brittle, less durable, and typically, less comfortable.
Being both brittle and the fact they take so, so very long to decompose is an especially dangerous combination for the environment. Sunglasses break, they get lost, they get accidentally thrown away etc. When this happens to petroleum based products it contributes to the mounting problem of plastic pollution. Imagine the sunglasses you lost at the beach, or accidentally threw away lingering for 450-1000 years. This incredibly long decomposition time causes significant harm to our planet, cluttering landfills and polluting water bodies, posing threats to aquatic life.
A less considered yet significant drawback to petroleum-based plastic is the manufacturing process itself. The production of this type of plastic contributes to the depletion of our already trembling fossil fuel reserves. It's energy-intensive and emits substantial amounts of greenhouse gases, which exacerbates global climate change and directly contributes to our current climate crisis.
Benefits of Acetate Over Plastic
| Acetate Sunglasses | Plastic Sunglasses |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | Can cause allergies |
| Highly Durable | Less durable |
| Eco-Friendly | Harmful to the environment |
| Rich Color Possibilities | Faded Colors |
| More Comfortable for Extended Wear | Uncomfortable |
Quote: "Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten." - Sir Henry Royce
Our Wood Square Acetate Sunglasses and Black Square Acetate Sunglasses exemplify this quality by employing high-standard acetate frames and green lenses, making them far superior than the average plastic sunglasses.
In comparison to plastic, acetate:
- Is hypoallergenic, making it safe for those with sensitive skin.
- Bears a higher quality, reflecting in its durability and flexibility
- Presents a vast palette of rich, deep colors.
- Offers more comfort for extended wear. Unlike plastic, acetate doesn’t degrade with exposure to heat, sunlight, and skin oils.
- Is more eco-friendly. As a plant-based plastic, it's created from renewable sources, while regular plastic poses harm to the environment.
Our Recommendation
At Big Bear Glasses, we advocate for the superior choice — acetate. As part of our commitment to quality and sustainability, it's why we truly believe we are the best men's sunglasses of 2024. Visit our collections to explore our stunning acetate offerings and commit to a more sustainable, fashionable future today!
Read more: If you're interested in learning more about sunglasses, remarkable improvements, and latest trends in the fashion world, feel free to stop by our blog. We curate content that keeps you informed and at the top of your style game.
