Material

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READSUN has been deeply involved in the optical frame industry for 20 years, possessing expertise in all categories of materials:

Acetate, Epoxy resin, Titanium alloy, Stainless steel, Ultem, TR90, CP, Bio-based materials and sustainable sheets

We help brands achieve the optimal balance between comfort, durability, design language, cost structure, and sustainability.

Materials Overview

Below are the seven most critical material systems in optical eyeglass frames.
  • Acetate Fiber Acetate Sheets

    Features:
    • High-quality feel, rich colors, natural texture
    • Can be laminated to create patterns, gradients, transparency, and other effects
    • Warm and comfortable to the touch
    • Mainstream choice for high-end fashion brands
    Common Uses:
    Optics / Sunglasses / Children's Acetate Frames / Acetate Hanging Mirrors
  • Epoxy & Combination Resin

    Used to achieve complex color and pattern combinations.

    Features:
    • Can combine different colors, textures, and metal structures to create highly complex appearances
    • Used in high-end designs and collaborations
    Common Uses:
    Optical sheet materials, high-end collaboration series
  • Titanium

    Premium lightweight material.

    Features:
    • Ultralight weight
    • Corrosion-resistant, hypoallergenic
    • High strength yet flexible
    • Suitable for sophisticated men and minimalist styles
    Common Uses:
    Optical metal series / Hybrid structures (metal + sheet metal)
  • Stainless Steel

    A balance between cost and performance.

    Features:
    • Heavier than titanium, yet still lighter.
    • Thinner structure allows for flexible design.
    • Suitable for high-volume, stable production.
    Common Uses:
    Metal optical frames, metal sunglasses.
  • Ultem

    High-performance engineering materials

    Features:
    • Ultralight
    • High temperature resistant
    • High toughness, not easy to break
    • Suitable for sports glasses / children's glasses
    Common Uses:
    Sports optics / Child safety frames / High-performance sunglasses
  • TR90(TR)

    High-toughness, lightweight injection molding material.

    Features:
    • High efficiency for mass production
    • High cost-effectiveness
    • Drop-resistant and non-deformable
    • Mostly used in fast fashion/children's wear
    Common Uses:
    Children's optics, commercial mass-production models, sports frames
  • CP (Cellulose Propionate)

    Lighter and more flexible than acetate.

    Features:
    • Lighter than Acetate
    • Fine color reproduction
    • Perfect for youthful and lightweight designs
    Common Uses:
    Fashion optics / Sunglasses / Youth collections

Materials Comparison

The choice of materials is not a choice of cost, but a choice of brand strategy.
MaterialMaterialDurabilityComfortHypoallergenicBest For

Acet ate

★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆Premium optical / Fashion

Stainless Steel

★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★★☆☆Slim metal styles

Titanium

★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★Luxury & High-comfort

TR90

★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★☆Kids / Sports

Carbon Fiber

★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆☆Performance & Sports

Silicone

★★★★★★★☆☆☆★★★★★Sports & Kids contact parts

Material Selection Recommendations

Premium Aesthetic + Trend-Forward Expression

Acetate / Epoxy / CP

Premium Lightweight + Stable Structure

Titanium / ULTEM

High Value-for-Money + Rapid Market Expansion

TR / Stainless Steel

Children’s collection material priority

ULTEM >TR90 >Acetate

Due to safety standards

Sustainability System Starting From Raw Materials

READSUN’s sustainability system goes far beyond “eco-friendly materials”—it’s a full-cycle sustainability approach, encompassing everything from raw material sourcing to the entire supply chain.

Bio-Based Acetate

Cellulose Acetate

  • Renewable
  • Low-carbon
  • Recyclable
  • Biodegradable under specific conditions

The leading sustainable sheet material used by luxury brands.

Recycled Metals

Stainless Steel / Titanium

  • Reduces the need for virgin mining
  • Lower carbon footprint
  • Ideal for premium brands’ sustainability messaging

Recycled TR / Recycled CP

Recycled Thermoplastics

  • Reduces the need for virgin mining
  • Lower carbon footprint
  • Ideal for premium brands’ sustainability messaging

Sustainable Packaging

Recycled Thermoplastics

  • FSC-certified packaging
  • Plastic reduction solutions
  • Paper-based alternatives

Material Sustainability Isn’t Just a Trend—It’s a Core Competitive Advantage for Brands Over the Next Three Years.

READSUN delivers a full-cycle sustainability system spanning materials → manufacturing processes → packaging → supply chain, empowering brands to gain an edge in regulatory compliance, brand equity, and long-term consumer trust in the U.S. and European markets.

Discover Sustainable Eyewear Frames

Not Sure Which Material is Right for Your Next Collection?

Our design and engineering team will guide you through every step—from concept to material selection—and deliver prototypes in just 7–10 days.

Contact our Materials Expert Team