Packaging

All shipping and product packaging is made from FSC-certified cardboard boxes and organic or post-consumer recycled fibers. The company avoids single-use plastics entirely.

Material Sustainability

Joplins’ in-house eyewear utilizes materials selected for minimal environmental impact. The frames are crafted from certified reclaimed wood and plant-based bio-acetate, reducing reliance on virgin plastic. Wood sunglasses use FSC-certified woods (like walnut, ebony, bamboo, and oak) that are “reprocessed” from natural sources (essentially upcycled wood veneers and offcuts).

For acetate models, Joplins partners with Italy’s Mazzucchelli to use eco-friendly cellulose acetate derived from cotton linters and wood pulp mixed with natural plasticizers. This bio-acetate is partly biodegradable and free of phthalates, yet offers the same quality and durability as conventional acetate. Metal components like hinges or temple cores are made of recycled stainless steel, further incorporating recycled content into the product.

Energy Use and Footprint

The company reports that its manufacturing partners use renewable energy sources in production and employ efficient processes to minimize waste and energy use. While detailed emissions data is not publicly provided, Joplins has taken responsibility for its climate impact through carbon-neutral shipping on all orders: the brand fully offsets the CO₂ emissions from transporting its products by investing in verified carbon offset projects.

However, as a growing brand that manufactures overseas, there is an inherent footprint from production and materials extraction (e.g. acetate fabrication, metal smelting) that is not yet quantified or fully neutralized beyond shipping. No comprehensive carbon assessment of the entire product lifecycle is published.

Waste Management

In production, the company works with suppliers to minimize material waste, for example by optimizing cutting for wood components and recycling scrap acetate. The use of reclaimed wood as a primary material is itself a form of waste mitigation. Customers can send back used or broken Joplins sunglasses, and the company will reuse the materials for repairing other glasses or recycle them properly. This take-back program extends the life of materials and prevents products from becoming waste.

Business Model

The brand’s philosophy emphasizes quality, durability, and timeless style over fast-fashion trends, meaning products are built to last and stay in style beyond a single season. Crucially, Joplins integrates give-back programs into every sale: for each pair sold, the company funds the planting of one tree and the removal of five plastic bottles from ocean-bound waste.