At Caledonian Optical, we are dedicated to creating a sustainable future for our planet and the communities we serve. Our commitment to sustainability is ingrained in our values and business practices.
We recognise that as an optical company, we have a responsibility to minimise our environmental impact and contribute positively to society.

Our approach
1. Environmental Stewardship
We pledge to continuously assess and reduce our environmental footprint by:
Carbon Footprint: We work towards measuring and reducing our carbon emissions, both directly and indirectly in relation to our operations and supply chain.
- Larger holding area for stock, resulting in fewer deliveries.
Waste Reduction: We are committed to minimising waste generation by promoting recycling and responsible packaging choices.
- Reducing the water used to surface and edge lenses by:
- Bazell HC3 Microsaperator system- Closed circuit recycling of water and separation of plastic waste.
- The plastic waste produced is compacted and in dry powder format, which results in 50% less size being sent to landfill.
- Unlike traditional lens edging machines that utilise water, blocks and edging pads, which generate waste, we implement the MEI lens edging system with its 'throw the block away' dry-cut process, eliminating the need for water, blocks and edging pads to significantly reduce waste and water usage in our operations.
- Recycling of spectacles
- Recycle bins throughout the building
- Waste/Recycling bins changed to larger skip size to reduce pick-ups
- Reusing plastic frame bags to deliver customer frames
Sustainable Materials: We prioritise using eco-friendly and sustainable materials to reduce our reliance on non-renewable resources.
- PPE Nitrile gloves changed to biodegradable versions.
- PEFC certified paper used for printing.
- All staff issued stainless steel water bottles and filter taps installed in our facility.
Energy Efficiency: We strive to reduce energy consumption and use renewable energy sources where feasible.
- Lighting changed to LED with motion sensors to stop lights being left on.
2. Sustainable Practices
We actively engage with businesses to promote positive change:
Community Engagement: We strive to make eye care more accessible through initiatives such as partnerships with charitable organisations, such as Vision Care for Homeless People, where we offer lenses and glazing services free of charge, contributing to the well-being of underserved communities.
Sustainable Partnership: We are dedicated to supporting our customers to adopt sustainable practices. By choosing Caledonian Optical, they're opting for lenses crafted right here in Britain, reducing carbon footprints and supporting local craftsmanship. Additionally, we support the implementation of spectacle recycling within their practices, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
3. Ethical Business Practices
We strive to uphold the highest ethical standards in all our operations:
Supply Chain Responsibility: We work closely with our suppliers to seek materials that are sourced ethically and sustainably, with respect for human rights and environmental regulations.
Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values all individuals, regardless of their background, and provides equal opportunities for growth and development.
Transparency: We communicate openly about our sustainability initiatives, progress, and challenges, inviting feedback from our customers, employees, and stakeholders.
Future considerations
- Paperless production work tickets
- Recycling of optical waste from our client's branches
- Solar panels
- Alloy free blocking
- Reduction of demo lenses for non-display frames
By making this Sustainability Commitment, Caledonian Optical aims to lead by example, inspire positive change in the optical industry, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world for current and future generations.
We are proud to be a member of the Practice Building Net Zero Optics Programme, a collaborative force driving the optical industry towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
This significant step underscores our commitment to empowering independent opticians to deliver exceptional visual experiences while safeguarding our planet.
Read the joint statement and commitment agreed by members of the Net Zero Optics Programme and those certified under Net Zero Eyecare.

We are also proud to be the first to receive the Powered By Renewables certification from the Practice Building Net Zero Optics Programme.