Vallon, which specializes in sports eyewear, has announced a partnership with professional skipper Boris Herrmann and Team Malizia to create sustainable sunglasses called Malizia.
Designed by sailors, for sailors, the Malizia’s frames are made from 85 percent recycled fishing nets. Vallon has pledged that for every pair of Malizia sunglasses that are sold, 10 mangrove seedlings will be planted in the Malizia Mangrove Park in the Philippines.
Malizia Mangrove Park recently surpassed 1 million mangroves as part of an effort to restore the local ecosystem. An intact mangrove belt not only provides breeding areas for fish, but also food for birds and reptiles, fish and crabs. At the same time, a mangrove belt protects the coral reefs and the shore from erosion, and it helps to bind large quantities of carbon dioxide so it can’t escape into the atmosphere. Healthy mangroves also reduce strong storm tide waves that can cause damage ashore.
Hermann is the patron of Malizia Mangrove Park, and works with the Mama Earth Foundation on the reforestation effort. Mama Earth grows seedlings in its nurseries and then helps with the planting activities with support from the Philippine Department of Environmental Protection. So far, the results have included not just the environmental benefits, but also a better source of income for local residents.
Vallon had a previous relationship with Herrmann, having created sailing sunglasses for use during the Vendée Globe challenge. Since then, the partnership has evolved, including with the release of the Malizia glasses.
Malizia is a unisex design with Vallon’s V52 polarized lenses. The recycled material in the frames is fused into a durable material called nylon 6 that is 20 percent lighter than equivalent polycarbonate or some other materials. The material also is known for good impact resistance.
“Sustainable comfort for those moments on the water when you need it most,” says Cruising World’s editor-in-chief Andrew Parkinson, who recently tested a pair of Malizia shades on a day of rigorous sea trials off the Fort Lauderdale coast. “When you’re laser-focused on putting a boat through its paces in the choppy Gulf Stream, the last thing on your mind should be having to constantly adjust your sunglasses or not being able to see the puffs sufficiently. That these glasses are also made from recycled material and that the sale of each pair helps give back to the environment felt like a win-win for me.”
These sunglasses are lightweight, at 32 grams, and they have an ABBE value of 52, which means exceptional optical clarity. UV A/B protection is 100 percent. The frames are matte black, and the lenses have a gray tint with anti-scratch and hydro-oleophobic coatings to resist damage and water buildup.
To help with all-day comfort out on the water, there’s a Base-8 wraparound curve in the design for peripheral protection, as well as a soft rubber nose pad.
Each pair of Malizia sunglasses is delivered plastic-free with a clip-on hook and belt straps, along with a protective case.
The sunglasses, which have a suggested retail price of about $155, come with a Vallon lifetime warranty.
Where to learn more: Visit vallon.com.
