MYKITA sets industry example with first complete pivot to Eastman Acetate Renew.

It is a 100% sustainable solution for luxury eyewear frames.

THE CHALLENGE

MYKITA is an independent eyewear design and manufacturing company driven by a passion for innovation and experimentation. Its eyewear range, simple and functional with a unique and distinctive look that made its success worldwide, is produced in its in-house “modern manufactory” in Berlin, combining handcraft with high technology.

MYKITA’s constant pursuit of technical excellence and simple curiosity to look beyond the traditional confines of the eyewear industry, combined with a true commitment to sustainability, led it to look for a sustainable material solution for its acetate range, actionable now and at scale, while meeting its high design and quality standards requirements.

Acetate is the ultimate material for the finest eyewear, combining unparalleled aesthetics and wearer comfort. A sustainable alternative is hard to find and usually requires significant modifications in design and production.

THE EASTMAN SOLUTION

Eastman Acetate Renew is a 100% sustainable material that is indistinguishable from traditional acetate. Made using Eastman’s pioneering molecular recycling technology, it is a drop-in solution that doesn’t require any changes to design or production processes.

Acetate Renew is made from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% certified recycled content*. Fossil resources used in traditional acetate are replaced by hard-to-recycle plastics, such as carpets, textiles, or eyewear industry waste. Molecular recycling breaks down plastic waste into fundamental building blocks to create new material with the same look, feel, and performance as conventional acetate—enabling a seamless transition.

By diverting plastic waste from landfills, incinerators, or the environment, Eastman Acetate Renew helps reduce plastic waste while leaving valuable fossil materials in the ground. Ultimately, Acetate Renew reduces harmful greenhouse gases by up to 50% compared to the traditional manufacturing process.

THE RESULT

In March 2022, MYKITA announced a complete pivot, switching its entire acetate supply to Acetate Renew. The company seamlessly switched its existing and new collections to this sustainable material without any impact on the premium quality and contemporary design its customers value.

This collaboration is a key milestone for Eastman and MYKITA and a positive development for sustainability in the eyewear industry, demonstrating the tangible solutions and potential of circular technology.