Pala
Photo courtesy of Pala
John Pritchard founded Pala as a purpose-driven brand. Not only do they sell sustainable sunglasses, Pala are involved in eye care projects that support communities in Africa. The brand’s commitment to fighting against poverty all roots back to when John travelled across many African countries during his twenties. The experiences stayed with him and in later years, he decided to give back to Africa, the region with 73% more visually impaired people than anywhere else in the world.
Alongside their sunglasses, Pala also sells protective sunglasses case woven in Ghana. The eyewear brand partnered with CARE4basket, an NGO that connects local craftspeople with businesses. Using traditional weaving methods, recycled plastic is stitched together by the weavers from three rural villages. Pala source their recycled plastic from a range of locally available items, from plastic bags to discarded water sachets. Once collected, the waste is washed, melted and shaped for weaving.
Image courtesy of Pala
Pala delivers the recycled materials and allows local weavers to complete the protective sunglasses cases in their own time. While recycled plastic is not the typical weaving material in these villages, the tradition of weaving is upheld. When you buy the case, the name of the exact weaver is celebrated on a tag. The partnership with CAFE4basket gives talented weavers a steady income and empowers their communities.
Photo courtesy of Pala
To find out more about Pala, watch their range of short films here https://www.palaeyewear.com/films/.