Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is ACUVUE® doing to tackle sustainability?
ACUVUE® is committed to leading the conversation and driving meaningful action on sustainability. We are determined to continue tackling key issues that affect us all, from recycling and reducing our carbon footprint, to optimising our packaging.
From reducing the energy consumption required and greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacturing process of ACUVUE® OASYS 1-Day (90 pack) by 12%5 to reducing the paper used in our ACUVUE® OASYS 1-Day contact lens (90 Pack) packaging by 60% (for product manufactured in the USA)6. Moreover, in our manufacturing process, 90% of unused materials at ACUVUE® manufacturing sites are recycled7.
But it doesn’t stop there. We’re proud that our products have received global sustainability recognition as well, including ACUVUE® OASYS 1-Day which was named Product of the Year by Environmental Leader in 2017 for its sustainable packaging8
We’ll continue to demand more from ourselves too, as we work towards our sustainable vision for the future and creating a healthier planet. We’ll continue to demand more from ourselves too, as we work towards our sustainable vision for the future and creating a healthier planet.
Why are contact lenses and the packaging they come in made of plastic?
Sterile plastic packaging means that your contact lenses remain well-hydrated, in shape, unblemished, and germ-free. After all, they’re relied upon to correct vision in two of your most precious assets: your eyes.
Contact lenses are a medical device that sit on the surface of your eyes. As well as needing to be transparent (so you can see) they also need to be stable, compatible with your eye and retain their shape during storage and use.
No naturally available material currently provides all of these proprieties. As a result, contact lenses are made from a combination of different components which together form a plastic that ensures the lens keeps its shape, provide accurate and comfortable fit and retains moisture for comfort during wear.
Can I recycle my ACUVUE® contact lenses?
You can recycle the outer boxes, instruction guides, reusable containers and solution bottles in your recycling bin. However, your local recycling facility will be unable to accept blister packs, foils and contact lenses due to their nature and small size.
But, thanks to ACUVUE®, and our partner Opticians, there is a solution!
In the UK, we have recycled over 11 million contact lenses, blister packs and foils as pert of the ACUVUE® Contact Lens Recycling Programme. Our trusted partner MYGroup LTD work effortlessly to provide zero waste boxes across over 1,000 UK Opticians on the programme.
Simply collect your contact lens waste at home and drop off at your nearest participating Optician’s in our specially marked recycling boxes!
