![\"saunt](\"https:\/\/cdn.sdnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/20230411153131\/saunt-eyewear-3-279x300.jpg\")
\u201cIn addition to our commitment to sustainable development and locally made products, we also strive to minimize our consumption and waste, and avoid single-use disposable plastics in all our manufacturing processes,\u201d says Saunt\u2019s brochure that adds, \u201cWe also value small-batch production to minimize waste. The fact that we manufacture our products locally allows us to avoid bulk shipping from overseas factories.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having worked in the eyeglass industry for more than 25 years, Kabbash noted that, about 3 \u00bd years ago, he was holding a 3D printed part in his hand when the proverbial \u201clight bulb\u201d flashed for him. \u201cI had a moment, like a vision \u2026 I just imagined glasses being made in this way,\u201d he said adding, \u201cUltimately, I started developing the product.\u201d<\/p>\n
Designed and manufactured in San Diego, Saunt eyeglass frames weigh less than an ounce and are extremely durable retaining their shape. Frames are designed to fit comfortably giving a gentle hug, and staying put no matter what.<\/p>\n
Saunt\u2019s unique manufacturing process involves using ultraviolet light and 3D files to create frame parts using powder bed multi-jet fusion technology. This allows the manufacture of eyewear locally in San Diego, which is a rare achievement in the eyewear industry, wherein eyeglass frames have until now primarily been made overseas.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst and foremost, I wanted to make them domestically,\u201d said Kabbash of his green eye frames noting, in attempting to do so, that he found just the right plant material to use in manufacturing green frames. \u201cI found a material that was available, made from castor bean oil, that was 100% plant-based as well as being flexible and strong,\u201d he said. \u201cI was looking to make something from a natural-fiber material versus a petroleum-based material.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even the packaging of Saunt eyeglass frames is sustainable being entirely compostable. Best yet, Kabbash noted frames being manufactured locally \u201ckeeps 80% of our dollars here in the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n
Describing himself and Saunt as environmental minimalists, Kabbash said: \u201cWe try to minimize our impact on the environment in every aspect of our business, and those of our manufacturing partners. We do our best to help control waste using no plastics in the packaging. We also talk about trying to be as transparent as possible with what we make, how we make it, and where we make it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Going green manufacturing eyeglass frames has been a real treat for Kabbash. \u201cI\u2019ve been in the eyeglass industry close to 30 years, and this is the most fun I\u2019ve ever had,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n