A COLLABORATION
BUILT ON SHARED CONVICTIONS
Julbo and MerConcept - the company founded by sailor François Gabart - have brought together the best of outdoor eyewear and offshore racing around a shared ambition : to eco-design a capsule collection of sunglasses for sailing and water sports that pushes the boundaries of innovation and reduces its carbon footprint.
THE CARBON FROM SAILBOATS CONTINUES ITS JOURNEY IN SUNGLASSES
This shared expertise has given rise to an audacious idea: to give carbon from offshore racing sailboats a second life by reusing it in technical, durable sunglasses designed and manufactured almost entirely in France. So extreme performance can go further, responsibly.
FROM THE COASTLINE TO THE OPEN SEA
After several months of research and design at Julbo’s headquarters in Longchaumois, as well as testing and engineering at the MerConcept Lab in Concarneau, two sunglass models have come to life: OFFSHORE KARBON and KEEN KARBON. Sunglasses to go with you everywhere at sea.
A SUSTAINABLE VISION OF PERFORMANCE
BIO-BASED FRONT
Front injected in plant-based Rilsan® (derived from castor oil), combining lightness, flexibility and
durability while reducing the use of fossil resources.
PLANT-BASED LENS
• Bio-circular polycarbonate (around 60% renewable resources) for a reduced carbon footprint
• SPECTRON HD technology: high-definition vision, enhanced colour perception, improved readability and reduced eye fatigue
• 80% polarisation: reduced glare, greater visual clarity and compatibility with digital device screens
TEMPLES MADE FROM REUSED CARBON
Material sourced from the MerConcept team’s offshore racing sailboats (manufacturing offcuts or
damaged parts), handcrafted to preserve its high-performance properties.
SUNGLASSES MADE IN FRANCE, CREATED WHERE PASSION LIVES
To meet this technical and technological challenge, Julbo and MerConcept have brought together partners from their local ecosystem, from the eyewear valley in the heart of the Haut-Jura to Brittany’s “Sailing Valley”. Makers of new ideas committed to a comprehensive, measurable and traceable eco-design approach integrated into every stage of product manufacturing.
“This collaboration is the result of passionate work between the MerConcept and Julbo teams. I’m delighted to see our worlds of sea and mountains come together around a meaningful project that brings innovation, performance and sustainability together by giving materials a new lease of life. It’s a wonderful human and responsible adventure, born from French expertise and shared creative energy.”
FRANÇOIS GABART,
FOUNDER OF MERCONCEPT
HAND-SEWN CASES
Every pair of sunglasses in this collection - available in a limited edition - comes with a recycled felt pouch. Made from clothing offcuts, it is hand-sewn in a social reintegration workshop.
