Opinion Article, ÓpticaPro, January 2026
Miguel Penedo Domingues
Head of OCR Optical Stores
President of the Fiscal Council of AASO
Sustainability has become, in recent years, a central driver of transformation across virtually every economic sector — and the optical industry is no exception. In a global context shaped by climate urgency, resource scarcity, and growing environmental awareness among consumers, the key players in our sector have been rethinking processes, materials, and business models.
The production of frames using recycled or biodegradable materials has become an increasingly important trend in recent years. Global brands have invested in reducing energy and water consumption in lens production, reusing acetate leftovers, and eliminating disposable plastics from packaging. At the same time, more transparent supply chains are helping to ensure ethical working conditions and environmental traceability at every stage, although there is still a long way to go.
In recent years, programmes for collecting used eyewear have also multiplied, both for recycling and for donation to disadvantaged countries or communities. At the same time, the adoption of circular models — repairing, reusing, and refurbishing — is beginning to gain momentum, helping to extend product lifecycles and reduce waste.
In Portugal, this evolution has been closely followed and gained new momentum with the creation of the AASO – Association for the Support of Sustainability in Optics, which has played an essential role in raising awareness within both the sector and society. The association promotes training, disseminates best practices, and encourages companies to adopt sustainable policies. Through a range of initiatives, it has helped position the Portuguese optical sector at a more responsible level, aligned with today’s expectations.
On the ground, many Portuguese optical retailers have already implemented concrete measures: replacing bags and packaging with recycled or recyclable alternatives, collecting old frames, selecting suppliers with environmental certifications, improving the energy efficiency of stores, and promoting lenses and frames produced with a lower ecological footprint. Small actions combined generate real impact — and show that sustainability is not merely a passing trend, but rather a strategic necessity.
The path we have travelled demonstrates that the optical sector is adapting seriously to change. However, the future will require continued innovation, a stronger commitment from brands, and also public policies that support responsible practices (for example, through less bureaucratic processes), so that we can move towards a scenario in which sustainability becomes a basic requirement for competing, thriving, and meeting the expectations of increasingly informed and demanding consumers.
As a sector dedicated to visual care services, the optical industry now has the responsibility to help society “see” further ahead, protect resources, and contribute to a more balanced planet. The challenge has been set. It is now up to all of us to strengthen this movement, make it irreversible, and naturally integrate it into our daily lives.
