Sustainability

Rawlings sustainability – Eco-friendly eye and hearing care

As an independent business that’s been part of the community since 1895, we’re striving to deliver outstanding eye and hearing care without compromising the environment. From carefully selected suppliers to in-branch recycling and everyday greener choices, Rawlings’ sustainability isn’t an afterthought — it’s built into everything we do.

Sustainability in Optics and Hearing Care

Sustainable eyewear starts with thoughtful sourcing. Offering a wide range of eco-conscious frames made from innovative materials like 100% recycled acetate and even locally grown cotton.

Our Stepper range of frames are pressed, plated, assembled, moulded and welded all in one location, helping to reduce emissions from transport. Their protective demo lenses and side sleeves are biodegradable, and all packaging is 100% recyclable.

We also work with Kering Eyewear, who supply us with brands including Maui Jim, Gucci, Cartier and Lindberg. Kering has achieved and continues to pursue sustainability goals such as:

Removal of PVC from all packaging
Introduction of recycled materials in case structures
Use of RPET-certified microfiber for cleaning cloths and case linings
FSC-certified paper for printed materials
Replacement of plastic polybags with FSC-certified folding boxes

Our main spectacle lens supplier has taken major steps to reduce water usage in production and is working toward using 100% renewable electricity by 2040. Packaging is reduced, reused or recyclable across the board. We’ve even carried out factory visits to inspect working conditions and supply chains in some instances, ensuring the products we choose are as ethical as they are sustainable. Our sustainability promise doesn’t stop with your eyes. In hearing care, we’ve sourced single-use equipment made entirely from 100% recycled plastic, without compromising hygiene or effectiveness.

Everyday choices matter too. From the PEFC-certified printer paper we use to eco-friendly washing-up liquid and recycled paper towels, sustainability guides how we operate in every branch. Our team is involved as well, with ideas like our Cycle to Work scheme and promoting car sharing for meetings. We also offer digital receipts and prescriptions to help reduce paper waste. All our marketing materials can be emailed or delivered online, so you can stay informed without unnecessary printing.

Rawlings lens cleaning solution - Free refills

All our branches have big blue bottles on the wall filled with our Rawlings lens cleaning solution. Meaning you can bring in your empty Rawlings spray bottle, and we’ll refill it for free!

Our refill stations help reduce plastic waste while saving you money — a simple way to make everyday eye care more sustainable.

Recycle your used contact lenses and blister packs!

We proudly partner with MyGroup in conjunction with Johnson & Johnson to recycle contact lenses and their packaging. These items are turned into useful products like garden furniture and outdoor play equipment, reducing landfill waste.

We accept:

• Soft contact lenses
• Blister packs and foils
• Solution bottles

Rawlings patients can drop them off in the collection boxes at any Rawlings branch.

You can find more information here.

Recycle your old glasses and hearing aids

We are now collecting old and unwanted spectacles and hearing aids on behalf of the Lions Club. These are examined, sorted and shipped to eye clinics around the world, where they help restore sight and support hearing in under-resourced communities.

Your donations support countries including:

Papua New Guinea
Sri Lanka
Ghana
Nigeria
Nepal

The Lions also support volunteers from charities like Unite for Sight, supplying them with spectacles to take on their global missions.

Do we take all kinds of old glasses and hearing aids?

Yes — we accept all glasses and hearing aids, even broken ones. If they can’t be reused directly, the materials are recycled to support charitable programme

You can find out more and make a donation here.

Previously, we’ve also supported Vision Aid Overseas for many years, with some of our Optometrists volunteering abroad with them numerous times.

Choose a Greener Way to Care

Choose Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care – from recycling programmes and ethical frame ranges to free lens cleaner refills, we’re proud to offer a more sustainable way to care for your sight and hearing — without compromising on style, service or innovation.

Pop into your local Rawlings branch to find out more, bring in your recyclables, or simply have a chat with the team about how we’re keeping your care green.

Search the Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care website