Goa's Coco Leni has a sustainable vision for a greener future

In the vibrant heart of Goa, where pristine beaches and lush greenery are as much a part of its identity as its rich culture, Coco Leni has carved a unique niche by blending sustainable fashion with eco-conscious values.

Founded by Arjun Sagar, this trailblazing brand is redefining eyewear with a purpose. 'On every purchase, a tree is planted' is the simple, yet impactful, philosophy that reinforces Coco Leni’s commitment to reforestation and combating climate change.

So, given their motto, how does tree-planting work for this brand which is crafted in Pilerne and has outlets across India, North America, Europe and Australia?

“We use API integration with a third-party service, TheGoodAPI. Each time an order is placed on our Shopify store, they automatically manage the tree-planting process,” explains Arjun. “This ensures every purchase directly contributes to reforestation efforts.”

CRAFTING SUSTAINABLE ELEGANCE

What sets Coco Leni apart is its focus on creating biodegradable and sustainable eyewear.

Their frames, made from materials like bio-acetate, ethically-sourced buffalo horn, and wood, are designed to leave a minimal environmental footprint.

“Bio-acetate is derived from natural sources like wood pulp and cotton fibres. It’s biodegradable and sustainable, unlike petroleum-based plastics that take hundreds of years to decompose,” says Arjun.

“Depending on the environmental conditions, our frames can biodegrade within 5 to 10 years,” he adds.

Not only are they eco-friendly, but the frames are also durable and washable, promising a lifetime of use. This innovation in eyewear demonstrates that sustainability doesn’t have to compromise on style or functionality.

EMPOWERING WOMEN ARTISANS

The Coco Leni eyewear collection is handcrafted by women artisans, many of who hail from Goa. By employing local talent, the brand celebrates the State’s artisanal heritage, while empowering women through meaningful employment.

“Most of our artisans are local to Goa, although some come from nearby regions in Maharashtra,” shares Arjun. This collaboration fosters community development and highlights the human touch behind each frame.

WHY EYEWEAR?

When asked why Coco Leni has eyewear as its focus, Arjun says, “Eyewear is an everyday accessory that seamlessly integrates sustainable practices."

"By creating long-lasting, biodegradable frames, we’re reimagining a typically disposable product into one that respects both craftsmanship and the planet,” he continues.

PURPOSE BEYOND PROFIT

Coco Leni’s environmental ethos extends beyond its products. The brand actively organises beach clean-up drives to preserve Goa’s coastline, raises awareness about reducing plastic waste, and promotes composting organic waste.

They also recycle the waste generated during production, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the brand donates to organisations like New Eyes for the Needy, a non-profit that provides pre-owned eyeglasses to people worldwide who lack access to vision care.

AFFORDABLE SUSTAINABILITY

While Coco Leni eyewear may come with a higher upfront cost compared to regular eyewear, Arjun emphasises their long-term value.

“Our products are crafted to last a lifetime. They’re more cost-effective in the long run because of their durability and the environmental benefits they offer,” he explains.

‘SUSTAINABILITY’ – A WAY OF LIFE

At Coco Leni, sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a way of life — from eco-friendly materials to reforestation efforts and community empowerment.

As you walk through Goa’s sunlit streets, wearing a pair of Coco Leni frames isn’t just about making a fashion statement — it’s about making a difference. It’s about choosing a product that embodies the ethos of this vibrant state: harmony with nature, respect for craftsmanship, and a vision for a greener tomorrow.

DETAILS

WHAT: Coco Leni Eyewear

LOCATION: 4, Industrial Estate, Pilerne

E-MAIL: support@cocoleni.com

PHONE: +91-8530973377