Costa Untangled Collection: Recycled Frames, 580 Optics

Supply-chain specifics: recycled nets to finished frames

Costa Del Mar’s Untangled Collection uses frames molded from 97–100% recycled fishing nets, processed into NetPlus nylon pellets via an advanced depolymerization workflow. The collection relies on an incentivized return program managed with Bureo, sourcing used nets from fishing communities in Chile, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, the United States, Seychelles, and Japan. Collected nets are sorted, cleaned, shredded, and then depolymerized into feedstock suitable for extrusion and injection molding. Logistics hubs in coastal towns consolidate material flows before pellet production, creating a predictable inbound stream for frame manufacturers and reducing marine plastic waste.

How the recovery program works (logistics and community link)

• Fishing crews enroll in the take-back program and exchange worn nets for financial incentives.
• Local collection points store and sort nets by type and contamination level.
• Regional consolidation centers perform initial washing and shredding to lower transport costs.
• Depolymerization facilities convert shredded nets into NetPlus nylon pellets, which are distributed to eyewear manufacturers.
• Finished frames are assembled with proprietary 580 lenses and shipped to retail and marine-supply channels.

Optical engineering: the 580 lens system

Every frame in the Untangled Collection is paired with Costa’s proprietary 580 lens technology. These lenses are engineered to remove 100% of ultraviolet radiation and a significant portion of high-energy visible (HEV) blue light. The 580 spectral tuning also reduces harsh yellow-band light around the 580-nanometer wavelength, which enhances contrast and color saturation—particularly useful when reading subtle tones on water such as buoys, kelp, and fish.

Polarization and marine performance

Polarization is standard across the line, eliminating surface glare from the sea and increasing visual comfort on deck. For sailors, captains, and charter guests, the combination of polarization plus 580 spectral filtration improves depth perception, aids in spotting hazards like submerged reefs or floating debris, and reduces eye fatigue during long offshore passages or sun-drenched marina days.

Lens materials and tradeoffs

Costa offers two primary lens substrates: 580G glass and 580P polycarbonate. Each has specific advantages for marine and charter environments.

Recommended lens tint by activity

• Blue mirror: Offshore and bright-sun conditions where sea glare is intense.
• Green mirror: Nearshore sailing and fishing—helps detect contrasts around reefs and kelp.
• Gray/gold mirror: All-purpose use; gold adds vibrancy on overcast days, improving low-light contrast.
• Sunrise Silver Mirror: Dawn and dusk activities where high contrast is needed.

Design, fit, and sustainability credentials

Frame profiles in the Untangled Collection—tested here in the Antille and Santiago models—feature flexible arm geometry and secure temple grips, which keep sunglasses on during heel, spray, and deck work. The frames’ material properties produce a comfortable fit for long days at sea, which matters for skippers, charter captains, and guests alike.

Environmental impact and social benefits

The recycling initiative does more than reduce stray nets: it supports coastal employment and creates economic incentives that encourage net recovery over abandonment. By diverting nets from marine ecosystems, the program helps protect fisheries and reduces entanglement risks for wildlife—factors that matter to coastal destinations and marinas looking to preserve clearwater and healthy fishing grounds.

Manufacturing footprint and the #KICKPLASTIC push

Costa has extended eco-minded production beyond Untangled frames by using bio-resin from castor oil in other models such as the Rincon II. This aligns with broader marine-industry trends that prioritize circular materials and reduced single-use plastic, supporting sustainable yachting practices and responsible charter operations.

Practical implications for sailing charters and boat rentals

For operators and renters, supplying or recommending durable, polarized sunglasses with effective UV and HEV filtration enhances guest safety and comfort. On charters—whether for a day sail, a week-long cruise, or superyacht activities—good optics reduce glare-related incidents and improve enjoyment of visual features like beaches, reefs, and distant coastlines. Lightweight polycarbonate models are practical for active guests, while glass 580G lenses suit photographers and offshore passages where uncompromised clarity matters.

Checklist for selecting sunglasses for charter fleets

• Secure fit to remain on during rough seas.
• Polarized lenses for glare reduction.
• Appropriate lens material depending on guest activities.
• Durable cases and replacement policies for charter wear-and-tear.
• Eco credentials as a selling point for sustainable yachting guests.

The Untangled Collection demonstrates how a focused supply-chain intervention—recovering and repurposing fishing nets—can produce high-performance eyewear that meets the visual demands of the marine environment while supporting coastal communities. Costa Del Mar’s 580 lens technology, combined with frame materials derived from NetPlus pellets, offers a compelling balance of optics, durability, and environmental responsibility for sailors, captains, and charter operators.

In summary, Costa’s Untangled line pairs advanced optics with circular-material sourcing to improve on-water visibility and reduce marine plastic. For anyone involved in yacht charters, boat rentals, or coastal tourism—whether looking to outfit a captain or recommend gear to clients—these sunglasses present a practical and sustainable choice. For more on where to find the right yacht, charter or boat to match your next beach or lake destination, and for advice on activities, captains, marinas, and equipment for ocean and gulf cruising, GetBoat.com is an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, which is probably the best service for boat rentals to suit every taste and budget. This wrap-up highlights how better optics, sustainable materials, and practical design align with boating, yachting, fishing and charter needs across destinations, from clearwater beaches to open ocean passages.