Lapo Develops Lenses Using Trinseo's Recycled PMMA Resins
Last update on Feb 18, 2025
Lapo Srl and Trinseo announced their collaboration to develop demonstration lenses made of recycled polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resins with a minimum of 86% recycled content.
Minimum 86% Recycled Content
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic, is typically used for making lenses due to its high transparency for optical performance, lightweight and hardness. PMMA is the polymer obtained after polymerizing the methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer. For this project, Lapo tested and approved Trinseo's ALTUGLAS™ R-LIFE V046 CR88, which is an acrylic resin made with at least 86% recycled content.
'As a lens manufacturer for high-end eyewear, we are joining the sustainability journey with our customers and end-users,' said Luigi De Donà, owner of Lapo. 'This inspiring partnership with Trinseo paves the way for more sustainable solutions to come to life.'
'We are honored to partner with Lapo and encouraged to see more of our recycled materials becoming part of daily life,' said Aldo Zanetti, Global Sustainability Business Development leader for Engineered Materials at Trinseo.
Uses Next Gen Depolymerization
Trinseo uses its next generation depolymerization technology to produce recycled MMA. Depolymerization is a type of chemical recycling in which end-of-life PMMA is transformed back into MMA. With its capabilities in waste collection, the recent addition of its new cutting-edge depolymerization demonstration plant in Rho, Italy, and years of expertise in plastic resin manufacturing, Trinseo is able to handle end-of-life PMMA collection, turning it back into high-quality recycled PMMA resins through advanced recycling and manufacturing technology.
Trinseo's recycled PMMA meets the mechanical, thermal, processing, scratch, chemical resistance, and demanding optical performance necessary for Lapo's lenses. Made with 86% recycled MMA, Trinseo's recycled content-containing PMMA achieves a 27%* reduction in product carbon footprint compared to virgin PMMA.
*Trinseo's internal calculations adhere to the Product Carbon Footprint standard ISO 14067:2018.