The global optical market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Key drivers include the increasing prevalence of visual problems due to an aging population and the growing and more intensive use of screens at all ages, as well as advances in the diagnosis and correction of visual problems. In addition, emerging markets are seeing increased demand for eyewear and growing interest in premium and customized optical products.
The global optical market: an evolving industry
The global optical industry is expanding rapidly, which puts pressure on the supply chain to increase production. However, aesthetics play a key role in the eyewear industry, so increasing volume cannot come at the expense of quality.
In eyewear we are seeing smaller and more intricate designs, as well as the use of a greater variety of materials and components, some of which are quite delicate or sensitive. This is particularly evident in the growing field of “smart” and connected vision devices, such as AR and VR products. These factors underscore the need for smarter manufacturing processes and high-performance bonding solutions.
In addition, like many other industries, the optical sector-as well as regulators and consumers-requires a more sustainable approach. There is a strong focus not only on the environmental impact of materials and methods used in optical manufacturing, but also on how these materials facilitate repair, reduce disposal of broken glass, and promote disassembly, reuse, and recycling. Increasing attention is also being paid to health and safety in the manufacturing environment, which means that environmentally friendly and user-safe products will continue to gain in importance.
Future challenges
Research has already established a link between the increased use of screens and the rise of computer vision syndrome, a recognized eye condition. Likewise, there is growing awareness of the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect against the harmful effects of UV exposure. As a result, we can expect more people in all age groups to need some form of glasses.
The impact of the pandemic on delays in eye tests and diagnoses has subsided somewhat, but its effects on the supply chain will take time to be fully resolved. Inflationary pressures are being felt throughout the supply chain, particularly by end consumers. Because eyewear is often a necessity rather than a luxury, manufacturers must keep prices affordable. The continuing challenge for the industry is to reduce costs. How do they address it? By optimizing processes, ensuring product reliability (to minimize the cost of returns and repairs) and reducing waste.
High-quality optical adhesives for eyewear production.
As mentioned above, the global optical industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, and as a result, demand for industrial adhesives for eyewear production is expected to increase.
In this market, the use of high-quality adhesives is critical to meet the challenges of production, aesthetics, and sustainability.Optical Adhesives play a key role in the assembly of various components, ensuring high durability and a flawless finish that meets consumer expectations. The ability of optical adhesives to provide durable and reliable solutions is essential to support innovation in eyewear design while ensuring that manufacturing processes are in line with sustainability goals.
The benefits of Born2Bond adhesives
Arkema’s wide range of high-performance Born2Bond optical adhesives offer bonding and gap-filling properties that help address the challenges mentioned above. With a variety of viscosities, dual-cure systems and “cure-on-demand” options, these adhesives offer solutions suitable for different stages of the eyewear manufacturing process. For example, UV instant adhesives and UV acrylics offer a quick, multi-substrate solution for attaching lenses to frames, instant adhesives work well for assembling rods and arms, and anaerobic thread-locking adhesives can be used to secure small and critical, but essential screws.
With Mascherpa’s 100 years of experience, we know that one of the main challenges for manufacturers in the luxury industry is to achieve invisibility in the use of engineered optical adhesives. The Born2Bond range includes a series of “low bloom” products that offer the precision, flexibility and durability required by modern eyewear manufacturing, without leaving visible traces of adhesive.
Flexible, efficient and precise, our high-precision adhesives can help minimize waste and speed up production processes.
Instant optical adhesives, also known as Born2Bond technical adhesives, enable manufacturers to design and produce traditional and “smart” eyewear with long-lasting performance and a flawless finish.
Born2Bond offers low-odor, low-consumption formulations and drop-in solutions that optimize the manufacturing process through more precise application, improved workplace safety and reduced waste, all without compromising technical performance or product aesthetics.
Born2Bond solutions for eyewear production.
All Born2Bond technical adhesives are suitable for both small production runs, with manual application, and semi-automated or fully automated production runs.
Here are all the solutions:
- Instant adhesives and UV adhesives: resistant to vibration and shock, they provide greater safety and durability.
- Anaerobic adhesives: not only resistant to vibration, corrosion and chemicals, but also a more sustainable and economical alternative to traditional mechanical fasteners.
- High-performance HMPUR adhesives: resistant to high temperatures, moisture and chemicals.
- UV-CIPG gaskets: resistant to temperature changes, chemicals, waterproof and dustproof for long service life.
