Hello Ophélie, 

What was the turning point that pushed you to bring your project to life ?

The decisive moment came during my first year of higher education, when I had to develop a business plan for a project. I took the opportunity to prepare the foundations of my company. But I had been nurturing this entrepreneurial idea for a long time. Being very nearsighted, I had often wondered what happened to the old pairs of glasses piling up in our drawers. On top of that, social and environmental values were strongly present in my family. I was also made aware at a young age of the challenges linked to disability, as one of my aunts was affected. Finally, the death of my mother when I was 17, after a 10-year battle with cancer, taught me that life is short and that nothing worse could happen to me. Starting my own business and diving into this project helped me heal and build myself up.

Could you give us an overview of the positive environmental impact your company has achieved so far?

In very concrete terms, in 2024 alone we collected 60,000 pairs of glasses per month in France — that’s over 300,000 pairs since our launch in 2021. We now have 1,500 collection points across France (optical stores, schools, etc.). The positive environmental impact of our model also comes from the fact that refurbishment is done locally. For now, it all takes place in Northern France. We work with an inclusive company, Vitamine T, where around ten reintegration workers handle the refurbishment for Les Lunettes de ZAC. This is a deliberate societal choice on my part. In the long term, we hope to set up refurbishment centers near collection points all over France.

How do you select the partners and opticians you work with to collect glasses?

It’s actually quite easy to get people interested in giving a second life to unused glasses. Opticians who are already conscious of sustainability often come to us on their own initiative.

People with disabilities play an essential role in your business. Could you tell us more about your collaboration with Vitamine T and how it supports your mission?

Working with a subcontractor that provides opportunities for people with disabilities or various reintegration challenges was a natural choice for me, given my family background. We chose Vitamine T because it came highly recommended, and its staff are extremely flexible and proactive. They look for solutions when problems arise and are able to grow their skills as needs evolve.

What are the current trends in sustainable eyewear?

Things aren’t moving as fast as I’d like. In 2024, we sold 1,500 pairs of glasses across 350 stores, including about 100 corners located in post offices. This was made possible through an exclusive partnership with La Poste launched in February 2025 to test the sale of refurbished reading glasses (€25) and sunglasses (€45 on average). The main obstacle is economic: across most of France, refurbished glasses don’t receive the same reimbursement levels as new ones — unlike in the Hauts-de-France region, where it does work. This significantly impacts our growth. So far, we only sell sunglasses nationwide, as their original price is high enough to allow for economically viable resale. It’s absurd, considering most of what we collect are prescription glasses.

Why do you think sustainability and upcycling are becoming increasingly important for consumers?

These are long-term trends I fully believe in. I’m convinced that environmentally sustainable brands will also have a financial edge, because they help people afford more despite declining purchasing power. Second-hand and refurbished goods combine ecological and economic benefits. What I apply to my company, I also apply in my personal life. For example, I rent most of my clothes via the platform Le Closet, I buy furniture from La Redoute’s outlet sales, and I’m extremely mindful of the quality of the food I buy. Second-hand and refurbished options meet both environmental and economic expectations.

What are your future plans for Les Lunettes de ZAC? Are you planning to expand or introduce new services?

I’ve just come out of a complicated situation, as I bought out my business partner. My main goal now is to finalize a fundraising round to expand our presence in dedicated corners, especially in stores that sell refurbished products. It’s not exactly a new service, but it is a lever to consolidate and accelerate our activity.

What message or advice would you like to share with other young entrepreneurs who aspire to create businesses with a positive environmental impact?

The key message I want to share is: never lose sight of the fact that for a business to last, it must be profitable. This means ensuring that your product or service addresses a real need. Then, to create and run a company, you must be able to handle everything — communication, finance, logistics, human resources… which doesn’t come naturally. While business school can give you some basics, it’s through doing that you truly learn.