FAQ

Honestly, we cannot claim our frames are truly sustainable, as the production, shipping and retail process all require fossil fuel-based materials to be used.

Packaging made up 50% of our total environmental footprint in 2017, so it became immediately clear that we had to do better here. We made some major changes, redesigning our cotton tote bags, eyewear cases and cloths. Furthermore, we cut out unnecessary packaging materials and switched to recycled and recyclable materials.

These are our humble design principles for packaging, where protection and functionality take the lead:

• Reduce and eliminate all packaging that’s not functional
• Re-use and swap single-use for multiple-use packaging
• Recycle: find waste or surplus materials from other value chains to feed our packaging, and reduce the material complexity to simplify recycling after use.

Read more about our packaging, here.

If the damage to your frames does not fall under warranty, then we offer a frame replacement service in all of our stores for €/£85. Check out the frame replacement FAQ for more details.

Since 2021, being a Certified B Corp™ means we are verified as meeting B Lab Standards for social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Recertification keeps us on our toes – it’s a continuous journey of improvement, not a one-time achievement. It shows we don’t just talk the talk – we take real steps to improve our business, our industry and the planet.

We’re honest about where we stand and how far we have to go – we’ve been and continue to be honest about where we stand and how far we have to go. We don’t label ourselves as a sustainable company but promise to push boundaries in crafting responsibly made, well-designed quality eyewear.

Making products has an environmental cost. Our products are the biggest contributor to our carbon footprint, followed by purchases such as optician equipment and store furniture. Our customers’ use of our products also has an impact (e.g. whether they clean their frames with a cleaning kit or water and soap). Interested in learning more about our yearly environmental footprint calculation? You can find the details in our Responsibility Report.

To find out more about how and where our products are made, refer to our 'quality' page.

We maintain strong direct relationships with our frame, lens and acetate suppliers and regularly assess their adherence to our Code of Conduct (which is also being regularly reviewed and updated), as well as their social and environmental impact initiatives. This ensures their practices align with high industry standards and improves supply chain traceability. We want to make sure everyone involved is treated fairly, and working in safe and healthy conditions that are aligned with our standards. We monitor our direct frame suppliers annually through ethical audits and factory visits to ensure ongoing compliance.

We are committed to creating and nurturing an inclusive culture that reflects the diversity of the world around us. A culture where our employees, partners, and customers feel seen, valued, and empowered to contribute.

As a certified B Corp, we take responsibility for our impact - working to bring diverse perspectives into our teams and leadership, ensuring equal opportunities, and fostering an environment built on respect, curiosity, and connection.

Beyond making glasses, we partner with organisations to donate frames to those in need (Noodfonds Amsterdam and Eyes on Ghana) and to volunteer at local food banks and homeless shelters (Voedselbank Amsterdam and Stoelenproject). Responsibility is more than a business for us – it’s about making a positive impact wherever we can.

We publish an annual Responsibility Report where we honestly share wins, setbacks and progress on our goals. Check out our latest Responsibility Report if you want the full story and nitty-gritty details.

You can return your old frames that you no longer wear to any Ace & Tate store, after which they will be recycled with our recycling partner.

There are various things you can do everyday to make sure your glasses last you for a long time. Have a look at our Glasses Care guide for tips on how to care for your favourite frames, easily and with a reduced environmental impact.