The story "turning waste into resource" 

Born in 2018, founder, Harry Dennis, was working as a marine scientist for a charity project engaging community action on plastic. He discovered that the most common item on every beach clean was fishing nets and ghost gear.

As the pile of collected nets grew and grew, this motivated the team towards a solution. Harry eventually decided to partner up with several mechanical recycling facilities to process various forms of end-of-life fishing gear and produced the first pair of sunglasses in 2018. The rest is history!

The team at Waterhaul have utilised the strongest form of plastic in our oceans to produce exceptionally sustainable, recycled eyewear. Eyewear that meets the technical demands of adventure, ocean-exposure and UV protection, but also act as ‘symbols of change’ for our oceans.

The process

Did you know abandoned fishing gear and nets are the most common and the most lethal forms of plastic in our ocean? The properties which make ghost gear such a threat in our oceans; the size and abundance of net, the quality of the high-strength polymers used, and the urgency to remove the plastic from harms way, all make fishing nets a desirable recycling resource. Fishing nets are durable enough to last 500 years in the ocean, making them perfect for creating super-strong sunglasses frames.

The ghost gear is separated by polymer type, and then recycled through a mechanical process of shredding, washing and agglomeration. With the 100% recycled raw material, the plastic is injection moulded into purposeful products.

The Waterhaul team strive to operate an entirely circular business model and ensure a single pair never goes to landfill. The sunglasses are made to last, but if you manage to break a pair, they will be repaired or recycled. 

The lenses

Waterhaul takes both the protection of the environment and the users’ eyes very seriously. That’s why they only pair the 100% recycled ocean plastic frames with the very best of mineral glass lenses.

Recycled plastic lenses do not exist. Glass is infinitely recyclable and doesn't produce microplastics when cut to shape.

Polarised

Polarised lenses block horizontal lights rays that bounce off reflective surfaces - essentially eliminating glare from surfaces such as water, roads and snow. This improves the lens clarity and your eye comfort when using our sunglasses in bright outdoor environments.

Anti-Reflection

The anti-reflective treatment on the inside of every lens filters the light that strikes the back of the lens from behind the wearer. If this light isn’t blocked, it can damage the eye, so we’ve added this as an extra precaution to minimise those risks.

What styles can I get at Ecomodo?

Crantock - Atlantic Blue Mirrored 

· 100% UVA/UVB 400 protection
· 100% recycled fishing net plastic
· Ultra-durable five barrel hinges
· Mineral glass blue mirrored polarised lenses
· Includes magnetic fold-flat hard case made from sustainable cork

Fitzroy – Grey Polarised

· 100% UVA/UVB 400 protection
· 100% recycled fishing net plastic
· Ultra-durable five barrel hinges
· Mineral glass polarised lenses
· Includes magnetic fold-flat hard case made from sustainable cork

Fitzroy – Atlantic Blue Mirrored 

· 100% UVA/UVB 400 protection
· 100% recycled fishing net plastic
· Ultra-durable five barrel hinges
· Mineral glass blue mirrored polarised lenses
· Includes magnetic fold-flat hard case made from sustainable cork

Kynance – Grey Polarised

· 100% UVA/UVB 400 protection
· 100% recycled fishing net plastic
· Ultra-durable five barrel hinges
· Mineral glass polarised lenses
· Includes magnetic fold-flat hard case made from sustainable cork

Harlyn – Aqua Non Polarised 

· 100% UVA/UVB 400 protection
· 100% recycled fishing net plastic
· Ultra-durable five barrel hinges
· Mineral glass lenses
· Includes magnetic fold-flat hard case made from sustainable cork

Crantock – Grey Polarised 

· 100% UVA/UVB 400 protection
· 100% recycled fishing net plastic
· Ultra-durable five barrel hinges
· Mineral glass polarised lenses
· Includes magnetic fold-flat hard case made from sustainable cork

Harlyn – Grey  Non Polarised 

· 100% UVA/UVB 400 protection
· 100% recycled fishing net plastic
· Ultra-durable five barrel hinges
· Mineral glass lenses
· Includes magnetic fold-flat hard case made from sustainable cork

With each pair ordered through us, you will receive FREE eco-shipping and a FREE Ecomodo tote bag!