Summary

Cocoplum’s sunglasses transform discarded prescription pill bottles into stylish, retro-inspired sunglasses. The company is on a mission to address the massive waste problem posed by billions of prescription pill bottles that end up in landfills each year by transforming them into bold, sustainable sunglasses. (Source) Prescription pill bottles are rarely recycled in typical curbside programs, despite being made from #5 polypropylene plastic, which is technically recyclable. The primary reasons include their small size, which causes them to fall through sorting machinery at recycling facilities; the limited market for #5 plastics, which makes them less desirable for processors. (Source) Using FDA-approved #5 plastic from recycled medication containers, each pair of frames is uniquely crafted, combining fashion with environmental responsibility. According to Cocoplum, the polyamide lenses are made using 39% bio‑based materials derived from agricultural and wood‑industry waste, produced in a facility powered by 100% renewable electricity, achieving up to 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional lenses. (Source) Cocoplum emphasizes comfort and durability with lightweight frames and flexible spring hinges. Beyond the products themselves, Cocoplum is deeply committed to a closed-loop lifecycle. Customers are encouraged to return worn sunglasses in any condition using a prepaid shipping label, allowing the brand to reuse frames and recycle lenses and hardware. This take-back program rewards participants with a 15% discount, reinforcing a culture of reuse (Source)

Story

Cocoplum was founded by Claire Ring in 2024. (Source) Ring moved from St. Louis to Oakland in 2021 during the pandemic, and Ring wanted to create a business around the problem of plastic waste. Despite having no background in manufacturing, recycling or eyewear design, Ring begane experimenting, and began to collect, clean, shred, melt and injection mold prescription bottles into the sunglasses they sell now. (Source).

Pic credit: Cocoplum (right) and Morrama (top)