Green Charter inspires the Optical Community

Green Charter inspires the Optical Community

Green Charter – the optical community’s clear pathway for a sustainable future – attracted great interest at 100% Optical, with businesses keen to learn more about specific guidance.

Launched by Opticare Innovations, the commercial arm of the OSA, the five levels of accreditation provide the means to achieve a sustainable, and ultimately, net zero sector.  Originally designed for optical manufacturing businesses, the remit has been broadened and is now relevant for all optical product and service suppliers, practices and ophthalmology clinics.

Karl Jeebaun, CEO of Opticare Innovations, explained, “Every business is thinking about the move to a greener business model but it can be challenging to know which steps to take.  In collaboration with leading optical bodies we are set to empower businesses to embrace eco-friendly practices and to build a sustainable future for optics. We have worked hard with industry and professional partners to ensure that the Green Charter will ensure that our community is exceeding the requirements of NHS supply and setting a clear path for sustainability.”

Manufacturing of frames and lenses, lab processes, transportation, the reduction of appointment time with the rise of home monitoring devices, plus fewer business meetings thanks to online conferencing, are all aspects bringing a tangible benefit.

Engagement with the Green Charter has many benefits within an optical practice or business, with the means to:

+ Engender team spirit

+ Empower everyone to attain greener targets

+ Reduce carbon footprint

+ Engage ecologically conscious customers and patients

The Green Charter aims to unify various elements, schemes, and certifications under a single framework, providing purchasers, suppliers, and the public with a clear view of a company or practice’s sustainability progress. Whether an organisation is an Acorn company taking its first steps by committing to sustainability or a gold-standard entity with sustainability fully integrated into its processes and supply chain—achieving B-Corp status and relevant ISO certifications—the Green Charter consolidates this information, verifies compliance and relevance, and publishes it in a publicly accessible database.

Businesses already on the Green Charter pathway include AOS, EyeSpace, Mainline Optical and Performance Finance.