A responsible business
The ambition to introduce circular flows in the operations is an important cornerstone of Synsam’s environmental work. Production, consumption and reuse must be interlinked and transparent. Synsam works continually to identify and improve processes in its value chain by setting demands for both its own organisation and its suppliers. In 2024, we continued our efforts to develop locally produced products at the production and innovation centre on Frösön in Sweden and to expand our circular offering.
The work of developing long-lasting products that can be recycled starts at the design table and with the sourcing of raw materials. Synsam integrates sustainability into the design of its frames through its innovation and development process. The Group continually welcomes potential new designs and materials in its search for improvements. At Synsam’s production and innovation centre on Frösön, new materials are tested for future production.
Synsam takes responsibility for all parts of the production process
The production of Synsam’s own spectacle brands currently takes place at the Group’s production and innovation centre on Frösön as well as with the help of suppliers in Asia and Europe. Regardless of where production takes place, Synsam always strives towards production that takes responsibility for all parts of the production process. The greatest environmental impact in the production of spectacle frames and lenses comes from the use of chemicals, water consumption and energy supply.
Chemicals
In accordance with the product choice principle in Chapter 2 of the Swedish Environmental Code, Synsam is working to phase out chemical products that contain substances of very high concern. Every year, Synsam performs a review of all chemicals in line with the EU REACH Regulation. The review identifies substances that must or should be phased out according to the national environmental quality objective “Non-toxic environment”.
Water management
Only a small amount of water is used in the production of spectacle frames. The greatest water consumption comes during the grinding of lenses, which is the part of the value chain that Synsam’s suppliers are responsible for. Water is important when grinding lenses for frames. It is also a resource that must be cared for as it is a finite resource that is essential to human survival.
Energy consumption in production and operations
Synsam endeavours to conserve energy as much as possible and not to use more electricity than necessary. The stores’ energy consumption is another focal point and our ambition is to make our stores more energy-efficient. For offices and stores, Synsam has requirements for landlords and property managers to use electricity from non-fossil fuel sources to the greatest extent, where possible. The Group also uses LED bulbs, which use less energy than other technologies, in all of its store windows
LCA calculations
Synsam has performed a life cycle analysis (LCA) that calculated the climate impact (CO2e) of two of the Group’s frames. Five stages in the life cycle were analysed and calculated in the analysis: raw material extraction, incoming transport, manufacture, outgoing transport and waste management. The purpose of the analysis is to increase the comparability of Synsam’s products’ climate impact over time, in order to determine where in the production process Synsam can make the greatest difference and improvements. The analysis was performed by an independent third party.
The calculations showed that Synsam’s Swedishproduced frames have a 22 percent lower carbon footprint than the frames produced in Asia. Waste is managed better in the Swedish manufacturing process and the energy involved is derived from renewable sources with lower climate impact. In addition to this, the overall material production also contributes to lower climate impact. Performing an LCA requires data collection and precision in the processing of the data. The LCA results improve our ability to identify where in the value chain we can reduce our climate impact. The results give us comparative figures for our development work.
Customers help to recycle and reuse spectacles
Customers can return their spectacles for reuse and recycling in Synsam’s stores. Synsam accepts all types of spectacles and sunglasses from all brands, even those that were not sold or made by the Group. All returned products are sent from the store to Synsam’s own workshop. During the year, the workshop received 139,660 pairs of spectacles and sunglasses. After going through and preparing the items, the workshop then forwarded 69,300 products to Synsam Outlet. Products that are not suitable for reuse are sent for local recycling and are used as input material for other products.
A circular business model
Synsam’s objective is to grow the circular business and offer more people second-hand frames and sunglasses. To promote reuse and recycling, Synsam initiated a circular business model in 2020. This was possible thanks to Synsam’s Lifestyle subscription service. When customers return a product in their annual replacement, it is taken care of and given a longer life through Synsam’s second-hand offering.
Before the product is returned to the shelf, the lenses are removed, the frames are cleaned and any worn parts such as nose pads are replaced. Through Synsam Outlet, second-hand frames are given a new lease of life and Synsam’s business model becomes more circular. In addition to Synsam’s secondhand frames from Lifestyle subscribers, the Synsam Outlet stores also offer Outlet frames, which are discontinued frames from Synsam’s stores, giving them a second chance as well.
The goal during the year was to make the Synsam Outlet concept even better and more accessible. In addition to Synsam Outlet stores, second-hand products have been phased into a selection of Synsam’s regular stores.
Climate calculations according to the GHG Protocol
Read more about Synsam’s climate impact in Scope 1, 2 and 3 in Synsam Groups Annual and Sustainability Report 2024