Berlin, 30 March 2022 – MYKITA and Eastman join forces to accelerate the transition to sustainable materials in the
eyewear industry. From today, leading independent eyewear brand MYKITA will exclusively source the sustainable
Acetate Renew, produced by Eastman’s innovative molecular recycling technology. The decision marks an important
milestone for both partners in their on-going strategies to continually lessen their environmental impact.
“The partnership with Eastman and the quality of Acetate Renew is truly exciting for us as an independent brand and
progressive manufacturer, allowing us to go all in and completely switch our acetate to this innovative sustainable
option,” says MYKITA founder and creative director Moritz Krueger. “We’re proud to show that it’s possible and to set
an industry example, as well as inspiring other brands to follow suit.”
Debuting at the LOFT 2022 Eyewear Show in New York, the new MYKITA ACETATE collection will be manufactured
using Acetate Renew. For the customer, the switch will be seamless: Indistinguishable from conventional acetate
in both appearance and performance, Eastman Acetate Renew1
is made from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp2
and 40% certified recycled content3
made via Eastman’s pioneering molecular recycling technology that breaks down
plastic waste into fundamental building blocks to create new materials. By replacing traditional fossil resources with
hard-to-recycle plastics, such as carpets, textiles, or even eyewear industry waste, molecular recycling diverts plastic
waste from landfills and incinerators or from becoming litter in the ocean. Ultimately, Acetate Renew reduces harmful
greenhouse gases by up to 50% compared to the traditional manufacturing process.
“MYKITA is known for being bold, and they are demonstrating it once again with their commitment to rapidly enhance
the sustainability of their eyewear”, said Glenn Goldman, Eastman’s Commercial Director for Specialty Plastics.
“We are proud that MYKITA has decided to switch its acetate entirely to Eastman Acetate Renew. They are showing that
it is possible to make a quick and complete change with a sustainable offering for every frame starting today“.
Eastman is actively working on solutions, including the take-back program that recycles waste from the eyewear industry
into new sustainable materials, such as Acetate Renew. MYKITA will be one of the first joining the program once it is
up and running at scale in Europe to create true circularity in eyewear.
This first commercial collaboration between Eastman and MYKITA is a positive development for sustainability within
the eyewear industry, demonstrating the tangible solutions and potential of circular technology. Further sustainability
projects from both parties are in the pipeline.
1 The final acetate sheets used to make MYKITA frames consist of 70% Acetate Renew flakes and 30% additives,
such as stabilizer, plasticizer and pigments necessary for the material’s elastic and visual properties.
2 Eastman holds both FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC™ (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
Chain of Custody certifications, which trace the path of the products from forests through the supply chain.
3
Recycled content achieved through allocation of ISCC-certified recycled plastic using a mass balance method.
About MYKITA
Established in 2003, MYKITA takes an independent approach to eyewear design and production, bringing together all
departments under one roof to form the Modern Manufactory. At the MYKITA HAUS in Berlin, the team sees the
product through every stage, from conception to the shop floor. The unmistakable MYKITA aesthetic demonstrates
integrity towards materials and construction, as well as the individual artistry of the craftsmen. Headed by founder and
creative director Moritz Krueger, MYKITA is committed to a responsibility strategy encompassing environmental and
social aspects to reduce the footprint of its products and entire operation. In addition to its own shops in cities across
the globe, including Los Angeles, New York, Berlin and Tokyo, MYKITA is available at selected optical and fashion stores
in over 80 countries.
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in
items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with
customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability.
The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer
engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such
as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman
employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2021 revenues of approximately $10.5 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, U.S.A. For more
information about Eastman’s sustainability journey, visit eastman.eco.