Innovation

The innovation was born from a desire to align design with sustainability in the eyewear industry. OZED was originally founded by two friends passionate about surfing who wanted to create eyewear that reflected their respect for nature while maintaining style and quality. They envisioned glasses that would prove sustainability and aesthetics can coexist. When Lucas Manfredi and Arthur Daviet took over the company in 2018, they built on this foundation and modernized the brand. They introduced recycled metals, redesigned the wooden structure for greater flexibility, and improved lens assembly to make the frames lighter and more durable.

Each pair now represents a regenerative cycle: materials are responsibly sourced, crafted locally, and every sale funds the planting of a new tree. Since one tree can yield around 400 pairs of glasses, OZED’s growth directly fuels environmental renewal. This innovation bridges creative design, environmental ethics, and technical excellence, illustrating how a small company can lead meaningful change in its industry.

Beyond materials, OZED integrates sustainability at every stage. It limits transportation through European supply chains and offsets emissions through tree planting projects that promote biodiversity and environmental education. These initiatives directly contribute to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the use of renewable resources and waste reduction, SDG 13 (Climate Action) by cutting CO₂ emissions, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through reforestation and habitat preservation. OZED’s innovation demonstrates how creative design and ethical production can work together to regenerate both industry and environment.

Inspiration

OZED’s creation was driven by a simple conviction: fashion should give back more than it takes. Frustrated by the waste of fast fashion, the brand sought to design everyday objects that reflect respect for the planet and encourage mindful consumption. “We wanted to show that even small products like glasses can drive big change if made responsibly,” explains co-owner Lucas Manfredi.

Their passion for nature comes from their shared love of surfing and snowboarding, which gave them a direct appreciation for the environment they want to protect. This connection to nature inspired their vision of entrepreneurship, one that is transparent, community-driven, and aligned with ecological values. They represent a new generation of business leaders who see growth not only in financial terms but also in social and environmental impact.

Overall impact

OZED’s business model has reshaped expectations in the eyewear industry by proving that local, circular production can compete with mass manufacturing. The brand’s short-term impact included its successful relaunch in 2018, financial recovery through crowdfunding, and the introduction of a redesigned, more durable product line. In the long term, OZED has reduced CO₂ emissions through European sourcing, encouraged responsible consumption among customers, and inspired other independent brands to pursue sustainability-driven models.

Today, the company partners with more than 300 optical retailers across France, demonstrating tangible market trust and community support. OZED’s commitment to sustainable innovation also contributes directly to broader systemic change by challenging the fast-fashion mindset and promoting durable, repairable products. Through its integrated approach, the company embodies the spirit of SDG 12, SDG 13, and SDG 15, showing how responsible production, climate action, and life on land can reinforce each other within a single regenerative model.

Business benefit

The 2018 crowdfunding campaign marked a major turning point for OZED. It provided the financial resources to relaunch the brand while also rebuilding a strong, value-driven community of supporters and optical partners. This support allowed OZED to restart production, pay off previous debts, and strengthen its presence in the French optical market. In 2023, OZED opened about 400 stores, sold approximately 4,500 pairs of glasses, and achieved a turnover of around 260,000 euros.

By producing locally and controlling volumes, the company reduced unnecessary costs, minimized waste, and built a resilient supply chain less vulnerable to global disruptions. These practices not only enhanced profitability but also positioned OZED as a trustworthy and authentic brand within a competitive market. Its transparent and sustainable approach has become a unique selling point, increasing both retailer loyalty and customer trust.

Today, OZED continues to grow steadily through careful, demand-based production, proving that an eco-responsible model can ensure long-term stability while maintaining ethical integrity.

Social and environmental benefit

OZED’s innovation generates tangible benefits for both people and the planet. Environmentally, the company uses renewable and recyclable materials, produces locally to cut CO₂ emissions, and plants one tree for every pair sold, a commitment that has already resulted in the planting of thousands of trees across reforestation sites. It also supports beekeeping associations, protecting thousands of bees that are essential to local ecosystems and agricultural balance.

Socially, OZED promotes education around sustainability by engaging its customers and partners in transparent communication about its sourcing, materials, and impact. This awareness fosters more responsible consumption and encourages other businesses to follow similar paths.

By combining ethics, design, and entrepreneurship, OZED proves that small, independent companies can create measurable global impact when sustainability lies at the heart of their purpose. Its example shows that profit and purpose can grow together, and that innovation can indeed be a force for regeneration.

Interview

Lucas MANFREDI, Co-owner & Head of Business Development at OZED