by 
Bamboo shoots continues to take on new shapes and uses, recently transforming into sustainable, stylish eyewear by Dutch designers, Paruchute. As we see bamboo, and what it’s becoming, from an entirely different vantage point, we want to share these new views and perspectives with you. For fans of everything bamboo, this read hopefully brings you some insights of what’s to come in the bamboo industry and Cariloha bamboo store experience.
Dutch Designers Develop Sustainable Bamboo (Sun)Glasses
AMSTERDAM, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ – Product innovation company Paruchute enters the eyewear market with first high-end handmade bamboo frames.
Until now, the eyewear market has hardly pursued the sustainability trend. Eyeglasses made of natural materials have generally been insufficiently ‘green’ and very pricey. Two Dutch designers decided to change this and to create the first sustainable, quality eyeglasses. Today their company Paruchute launches a collection of handmade, affordable bamboo (sun)glasses under the new Dutch Design brand Bambuya.
Not just for pandas
The bamboo plant is familiar as food for pandas, but also has many exceptional features. It grows at a speed of up to a meter per day, which makes it the fastest growing plant in the world. As bamboo re-grows fast it is indeed a very sustainable natural resource. In addition it is strong, light, and suitable for glasses. Bambuya frames are half the weight of comparable synthetic glasses, which makes them very comfortable to wear. Moreover, bamboo has a fashionable, contemporary look and feel.
Naturally original
The first collection has two unisex styles, both of which are available in either a light or dark natural bamboo color. Bambuya glasses have designer temples (legs), which resemble the shape of a bamboo stem. All frames are handmade, numbered, limited global editions, and come with a bamboo case and certificate of authenticity. The certificate confirms that a tree will be planted through the Global ReLeaf Project.
Unique Cooperation
Paruchute works with world-class suppliers and partners, who provide, cut and edge the lenses. These optics specialists are preferred partners of many opticians and leading international premium consumer brands. “We are proud that with the support of our partners, we are the first company to design eyeglasses of this green material that meet the high quality standards of opticians,” say founders Patrick van Hoof and Ruud Wensink.
The corrective frames will be available exclusively at high-end opticians starting this summer. The non-prescription sunglasses can now be (pre-)ordered at http://www.bambuya.com .
The Company
Bambuya is an initiative of Paruchute Innovation focusing on sustainable designer products. This versatile innovation company, founded by Patrick van Hoof (30) and Ruud Wensink (27), creates, develops and markets products and services for its own portfolio and third parties.
SOURCE: Paruchute http://www.bambuya.com/release Bambuya is a Paruchute (with a ‘u’) brand.
Relevant websites: http://www.paruchute.com and http://www.americanforests.org