Unthinkable or ingenious? The truth about glasses made from cigarette filters.

When we talk about sustainability in the eyewear industry, we are usually referring to so-called bio-acetates. Although these are based on renewable raw materials and plant-based plasticisers, they have to be produced from scratch – often using arable land and fresh resources.

But what happens to the materials that are already in circulation – and even cause problems?

With the FUNK PHOENIX PROJECT and the material Celion®, we are taking a new, technically challenging approach. We would like to take this opportunity to shed light on how one of the world's most common waste products – cigarette filters – is turned into high-quality spectacle frames, and why we decided to take this step.

The initial problem
Cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate – a plastic that is very difficult to break down biologically. When these filters end up in the environment, they release accumulated toxins. They are a resource in the wrong place.

The process: chemistry instead of ‘washing’
We are often asked whether the material is hygienically safe. The answer lies in the technical processing method. This is not merely a matter of cleaning. Our partner IMEKO has developed a process that breaks down the collected filters into their chemical components. In the process, all toxins and odours are completely extracted and removed. What remains is the pure raw material: cellulose acetate.
This recycled acetate (Celion®) is in no way inferior to newly produced acetate in terms of its physical properties and purity. It is a certified, clean material.

Why we are taking this approach
At Manufaktur Kinsau, the question of substance is paramount. We wanted to use a material that actively contributes to reducing the burden on the environment (circular economy) rather than just being ‘less harmful’. Each frame made from this material binds raw materials that would otherwise pollute nature as waste.

Quality and workmanship
Despite the unusual origin, we do not compromise on quality. Celion plates are processed to the same high standards as our classic collections.

The big picture: FUNK PHOENIX PROJECT
These models are part of a larger mission. The FUNK PHOENIX PROJECT is not just a collection. It is a project we launched in 2024 for sustainable material innovation, recycling and a truly circular economy. The Celion models are proof of what is possible when you are willing to redefine resources.