Why is PA11 good?
For decades, performance eyewear has been built on fossil fuels. Frames were made from petroleum-based plastics like TR90, valued for their durability and light weight, but carrying a hidden environmental cost. Today, a new material is changing the game: PA11, a high-performance bio-nylon made entirely from castor plants.
At first glance, PA11 looks and feels like the sleek plastics athletes are used to. But beneath the surface, it’s different in almost every way: renewable in origin, lower in emissions, and better performing in extreme conditions. Here’s why PA11 is fast becoming the go-to material for sustainable sport eyewear.
A material grown, not drilled
Unlike traditional nylons that come from crude oil, PA11 is produced from castor beans, a hardy crop that grows in dry, marginal soils where food crops can’t thrive. That makes it a renewable resource with a lighter environmental footprint.
Lifecycle analyses show PA11 carries up to a 70% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional petroleum-based nylons. Every pair of frames molded from this plant-based polymer helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels while supporting agricultural communities in arid regions. Sustainability here isn’t an afterthought—it’s built in from the roots.
Performance without compromise
Sustainability only matters if the material can stand up to real-world demands. Fortunately, PA11 shines where athletes need it most:
- Lightweight: With a density close to 1.03 g/cm³, PA11 makes frames that feel almost weightless on long rides and runs.
- Flexible yet strong: Unlike brittle plastics, PA11 can flex under stress and snap back without permanent deformation, reducing breakage.
- Cold-weather resilience: Even at temperatures as low as −40 °C, PA11 retains impact resistance, making it reliable in alpine and winter training.
- Heat and chemical resistance: Sweat, sunscreen, oils, and even fuel residues won’t easily degrade its structure, ensuring longevity in tough environments.
The result? Frames that are not just sustainable, but also comfortable, durable, and adventure-proof.
Designed for innovation
PA11 isn’t limited to traditional molding techniques. It’s also highly compatible with 3D printing technologies, which means designers can create advanced, lightweight geometries and even explore custom-fit eyewear. Combined with its bio-based origins, this opens up a new world of sustainable design freedom.
Why PA11 matters for eyewear
Sport eyewear has always been about balance: strength without weight, flexibility without fragility, comfort without compromise. PA11 delivers on all three while carrying a sustainability story that resonates with today’s athletes. By choosing eyewear made with PA11, you’re not just choosing better performance—you’re choosing a future where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand.
Our thoughts
PA11 shows that the next generation of materials won’t sacrifice performance for sustainability. Instead, they will outperform the old guard while leaving a smaller footprint. For cyclists, runners, climbers, and adventurers, eyewear made from PA11 represents more than just gear—it’s proof that sport and sustainability can move forward together.