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Our ethics and sustainability policies

Glasses Direct understands the importance of ethical practices and sustainability. We feel that our customers deserve to be told where and how products are created, the materials they are made from, who they are produced by, how workers are treated and what environmental effect the products have throughout their journey.


Woman scanning bins in our warehouseWoman scanning bins in our warehouse

We are part of the EssilorLuxottica Group and have a Code of Ethics which outlines the values that apply to all our employees, as well as contractors, vendors and suppliers. It also directs the way we carry out everyday business. Our Code of Ethics covers key topics like diversity, the fair treatment of colleagues and business partners, health and safety in the workplace and protection of the environment. It explicitly agrees to the international labour standards and also the UN Global Compact Principles on Human Rights.




What is Glasses Direct’s mission?


We strive to offer a wide range of glasses for everyone. As part of the EssilorLuxottica Group, we contribute to our collective mission to help people ‘see more and be more’. We think everyone has the right to affordable glasses and should be free to express their unique style and personality with access to their favourite brands.

Eyesight is one of the most important senses and empowers us to read, learn, work and experience every moment of life. However, if someone has a problem with their vision this can lead to major difficulties. We are dedicated to helping communities in desperate need of eye care. In line with the EssilorLuxottica Group, Glasses Direct agrees vision is a basic human right. We believe in improving lives through better vision. This is why we support Vision For Life™’s Buy One, Give One scheme. We donate $1* to Vision For Life™ for every order placed. Vision For Life™ has helped millions of individuals in need by giving them access to important eye care services.

Hands placed on top of each other

How we care for our people

Glasses Direct advocates cultural diversity, moral integrity and we agree that it is highly important to respect our fellow human beings. An inclusive culture of learning, diversity and safety is encouraged among our employees. We promote a positive work environment where all employees can demonstrate their skills, offering training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are guaranteed for all employees and we do not tolerate any kind of discrimination, intimidation, or harassment. We are also committed to ensuring a healthy and safe work environment.

Ways we protect our planet

Glasses Direct currently has a variety of initiatives that are helping us on our path to becoming more eco-conscious. We’re constantly looking for new ways to become a greener business. We care about having a positive impact on the world around us. There is still a long way to go but we are proud to be making positive steps in the right direction.

A pair of glasses with trees reflected in the lenses
Arden glasses frames next to a piece of wood

Our ethical eyewear ranges

Discover our eco-friendly eyewear ranges. Our sustainable brands, Arden and Waterhaul are extremely stylish. Crafted from recyclable materials, the Arden frames are a simple ecological solution. Thanks to our partnership with One Tree Planted, this collection is helping to contribute to essential reforestation across the globe. Meanwhile, Waterhaul frames are made of 100% recycled fishing nets that have been collected from UK oceans and coastlines. Waterhaul’s mission is to remove harmful waste from the ocean. They also want to raise awareness of the damage that is causes to marine life. We admire and support this essential work. Glasses Direct also offers several eco-friendly designer brands, including New Balance, Levi’s®, Ben Sherman, Tommy Jeans and Polaroid.

Eco-friendly packaging

Glasses Direct has recently introduced environmentally friendly packaging, which is made in the UK from 100% recyclable materials. It is important to us to make these small but essential changes that not only reflect our values but also help to have a more positive impact on the environment.

Glasses frame next to Glasses Direct branded soft pouches
Pink Ribbon collection glasses

Our commitment

We care about contributing to a variety of good causes. As a business, we actively encourage our customers to make their own positive choices by introducing ethical and charitable new product ranges and brands. It is important to offer sustainable options and to give customers the opportunity to contribute to worthy charities by purchasing our products. This includes our Pink Ribbon glasses, whereby for every sale, we donate £2 to the Pink Ribbon Foundation. We also have limited-edition frames for Pride every year which go to admirable charities that support the LGBTQ+ community. We believe everyone should feel empowered to be their most authentic self and embrace their own sense of individuality.

*Vision For Life™ will match this $1 to fund the cost of a pair of glasses that will then be donated to someone in need. In order for a contribution to be made, customers must select the region they wish to donate to.