Written by Menswear Style in Interviews on the 23rd March 2023

The goal at Bird is to make better eyewear for a better world. They're reframing what really matters; people and planet. They seek out or innovate the best sustainable materials for their frames, including certified woods, bio-based acetate, renewable cork and recycled aluminium. Every pair of Birds gives back through a Share Your Sun partnership with SolarAid, helping to distribute solar light to families in Zambia and Malawi, replacing the use of fossil fuel burning lamps. In 2020 Bird became the first B Corp Certified eyewear brand in the UK, verified to meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact, and balancing purpose with profit.

In a recent episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interviewed Ed Bird, Founder of sustainable and ethical eyewear brand Bird Eyewear about his background and the founding story of his sunglasses and eyewear brand which he set up with his brothers. Our host Peter Brooker and Ed talked about financing the launch and growth of the brand, the affects of Covid-19, using virtual reality, product innovation and manufacturing, and how they will be growing the brand in 2023.

“We wanted to create a brand that really moved the needle in the eyewear industry. We wanted to do it in a genuine, thoughtful, and playful way. None of us are from a fashion, eyewear, or optical background. So, in that sense, we didn't carry any baggage or prior knowledge, which means our approach to eyewear has been completely different to other businesses in the industry. Our goal is to make better eyewear for a better world.”

This is a shortened transcribed edit of episode 193 of the MenswearStyle Podcast with Ed Bird, Founder of findyourbirds.com. You can listen to the full version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.

Sustainable Sunglasses, Ethical Eyewear, and B Corp Certified are the talking points of this interview with Ed Bird of Bird Eyewear.