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With plant-based frames and production in Europe, eyewear brand PPEEQQ is setting a new standard for sustainability.

ood visibility while cycling is of utmost importance. You want to spot that bump in the asphalt, the oncoming traffic, and the post on the bike path as early and clearly as possible. And you also want to fully enjoy the beauty around you, whether it's the sand dunes on the Veluwe, the coastal dunes along the North Sea, or the nature in the Drenthe forests. PPEEQQ, the eyewear brand, is raising the bar significantly—higher in terms of better quality, more user-friendliness, extra comfort, and above all, a greater level of sustainability.

he new brand, brought to life at FuturumShop's R&D center, was founded in 2020. After a meticulous sketching, development, and production process, PPEEQQ hit the market last July. "After the launch, PPEEQQ immediately received positive feedback from cyclists. The success lies mainly in the combination of modern looks and high functionality. You buy one pair of glasses, and you can use them in all conditions," says product manager Martijn Merkx.

"THE SUCCESS OF PPEEQQ LIES MAINLY IN THE COMBINATION OF MODERN LOOKS AND HIGH FUNCTIONALITY"

One pair of glasses for everything
The range consists of glasses with two types of lenses. One type features photochromic lenses, while the other comes with multiple lens options that you can switch yourself. In the case of photochromic glasses, the frame has a single lens that adjusts its tint based on the amount of UV radiation. If you're cycling on a bright spring day with plenty of sunlight, the lens automatically darkens for improved visibility. When you enter the woods on that same day, the lens lightens accordingly. "The photochromic lens is suitable for more than 95 percent of cycling conditions. Only during the transition from dusk to darkness do some cyclists say: now I'd prefer a completely transparent lens."

The photochromic technology is based on a special coating. PPEEQQ has chosen the most optimal setting for this. “The lens is relatively light by default, meaning the glasses are fairly transparent without tinting. The photochromic layer can darken up to a certain percentage. If we had made the base lens darker, the darkest point would also be more intense. But we didn’t want an overly dark lens, as it should still provide a comfortable experience on a gray, overcast day. The glasses had to be versatile,” says Merkx.

The photochromic PPEEQQ models are always matte and labeled P R O, an acronym for Photochromic, Revo, and Oleophobic. Revo refers to the coating applied for clearer colors, higher contrast, and reduced light reflection, helping you spot obstacles earlier. The oleophobic and hydrophobic treatments keep the lens cleaner for longer. Raindrops bead off the surface, the lens fogs up less or not at all, and if you touch it with your finger, you won’t leave an immediate mark.

The alternative to the photochromic lens is the glasses with interchangeable lenses that come standard. The orange lens is for overcast, gloomy weather, the dark lens is useful in bright, sunny conditions, and the transparent lens is ideal for early morning or evening rides when it’s dark. “You can easily remove the lens for a swap: hold the lens in the middle and pull the top of the frame away from the lens so you can take out the sides. You’ll also need to remove the nose pad. Putting a new lens back in is just a matter of clicking it into place.”

Model I vs. Model II

PPEEQQ offers both Model I and Model II, with versions available featuring photochromic lenses or interchangeable lenses. The primary difference between Model I and II lies in the frame shape and finish. Model I has a relatively clean frame: there is no frame edge at the bottom of the lens, giving it a less aggressive design. The frame edge is also minimalistic on the sides, near the temple arms. Additionally, the arms of Model I are adjustable. “Some cyclists really appreciate this, especially if their head shape is a bit different. They can bend and adjust the arms exactly as they want to create the perfect fit,” says Merkx. “With Model II, there is relatively more frame, and the arms are fixed, designed to clamp snugly against your head without pressing.”

For the photochromic versions of both Model I and II, the tall, large lenses—matching the current fashion trend—are available in various colors, both for the frame and the lens itself. PPEEQQ has researched what colors appeal to cyclists today and found that red, green, and blue lenses give a bolder look. These colors don't have any functional impact or significant influence, though you might notice a slight variation in color tone. For those who aren't fond of colored lenses but still want a photochromic lens, PPEEQQ also offers the I- and II-models with a photochromic lens in smoke, which provides a more timeless appearance.

In both models, the finishing touches include an adjustable nose pad that can be customized both in width and depth, which is not something you typically encounter. “The advantage of this is that you can press the wings together or apart, adjusting them to fit the width of your nose so the glasses move around less. Additionally, you can move the wings slightly forward or backward, allowing you to adjust the position of the glasses relative to your face. So, if you prefer to wear them a bit farther from your head, for instance, to allow for more airflow, you have that option,” explains Merkx.

Plant-Based
What applies to all PPEEQQ glasses is that they are sustainably produced and delivered. The designs are created in the Netherlands and manufactured in Italy, which means significantly fewer transport miles are required before you wear the glasses. This is quite different compared to production in Asia, the continent many other sports and sunglasses brands opt for. “We value design highly; with PPEEQQ, we’re creating a unique identity. If Italy is known for anything, it’s for its beautiful designs in all aspects. So, besides the sustainability factor, choosing Italy for production also fits well with PPEEQQ’s vision for this reason.”

Even more sustainable is the selection of materials. All PPEEQQ frames are made from castor beans instead of fossil-based resources. These beans, or rather seeds, come from the castor plant. The advantage is that castor plants can grow in areas with minimal nutrients and water, and no pesticides are needed. Additional benefits are that the beans don’t compete with other crops and do not contribute to deforestation.

THE FRAMES OF ALL PPEEQQ GLASSES ARE MADE FROM CASTOR BEANS INSTEAD OF FOSSIL-BASED RESOURCES.

The PPEEQQ brand collaborates with specialized farms that focus entirely on the cultivation of castor plants. This is done with the utmost care. Not only do the farmers practice sustainable methods, but they also have guaranteed access to various protective measures. These are necessary because the plant naturally contains ricin, a toxin. Due to the proper, stringent guidance, the production is safe and yields an average of 35% more than surrounding, comparable plots. Castor oil is extracted from the beans. After processing, this results in a polymer, from which granulate is made. These are essentially small plastic pellets. This raw plastic is melted into a paste that is poured into the molds of PPEEQQ. Merkx explains: “This is how we obtain strong polycarbonate frames of high quality that are on par with traditional plastic frames made from fossil fuels. The frames are extremely lightweight and can withstand a knock. And the great thing is: at the end of their lifecycle, they can be recycled.”

The plant-based PPEEQQ glasses can be used year-round and under all conditions, whether you’re out in the cold spring, the sweltering summer, or the gray winter. We ship the glasses in a cardboard, minimally printed packaging that later serves as a luxury, chic storage case. This reduces packaging compared to many other glasses. In the sturdy case—securely fastened with Velcro—you can store your glasses when you’re not cycling.”