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The global eyewear industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and growing environmental awareness. According to a recent report by Grand View Research, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2030, with three key trends – sustainability, smart integration, and personalization – shaping its future. Glassesshare, a leading eyewear OEM/ODM provider, shares insights into these trends and their implications for manufacturers and brands.

Sustainability has become a core focus for the eyewear industry, with consumers increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly products. A survey conducted by the Eyewear Association found that 68% of consumers are willing to pay a premium of up to 20% for eyewear made from sustainable materials. This shift has led manufacturers to adopt recycled materials, biodegradable plastics, and low-carbon production processes. “At Glassesshare, we’ve seen a 50% increase in demand for sustainable eyewear over the past year. Our recycled ocean plastic frames and biodegradable acetate collection have become top sellers among European and North American clients,” said Alex Wang, CEO of Glassesshare.

Major brands are also joining the sustainability movement. For instance, Marcolin, a global eyewear giant, showcased its eco-friendly collections at MIDO 2025, emphasizing the use of recycled materials and sustainable packaging. Meanwhile, industry clusters in China, such as Danyang’s “China Eyewear Town,” are promoting “smart transformation and digital upgrading” of production facilities to reduce carbon emissions and improve resource efficiency. Glassesshare notes that sustainability is no longer just a marketing tool but a key factor in securing long-term partnerships with global brands.

The integration of smart technology is another major trend reshaping the eyewear industry. The global smart eyewear market is projected to reach $55 billion by 2030, with AI integration, health monitoring, and AR capabilities becoming standard features. Unlike early smart glasses that were bulky and impractical, today’s products focus on lightweight design and user-friendly functionality. “Consumers want smart eyewear that looks like regular glasses but offers additional benefits. Our latest smart eyewear prototype integrates blue light filtering, eye fatigue reminders, and basic fitness tracking in a sleek, comfortable frame,” explained Sarah Chen, R&D Director at Glassesshare.

Technological giants and traditional eyewear manufacturers are collaborating to drive innovation in smart eyewear. For example, Blue Star Technology has partnered with Rokid to enhance the production capacity and supply chain of AI glasses, aiming to meet the expected surge in global demand. Glassesshare predicts that smart eyewear will move beyond niche markets to become a mainstream product category, with OEM/ODM manufacturers playing a crucial role in customizing solutions for different brands and use cases.

Personalization is the third key trend defining the 2025 eyewear market. Consumers are seeking eyewear that reflects their individual style and meets their specific needs, driving demand for customized designs, fit, and functionality. This has led to the rise of made-to-order services, where customers can choose frame materials, colors, shapes, and even add personalized logos or engravings. “Our OEM/ODM clients are increasingly asking for flexible customization options. We offer 7-day sampling for customized designs and can accommodate small-batch orders as low as 500 units,” said Alex Wang.

The trend towards personalization is also supported by advancements in digital technology. 3D scanning and printing allow manufacturers to create frames tailored to individual facial structures, improving comfort and fit. At MIDO 2025, many exhibitors showcased digital customization tools that enable customers to design their own eyewear online, with production completed in a matter of days. Glassesshare is investing in digital design tools to enhance its customization capabilities, helping brands offer unique and personalized products to their customers.

For eyewear manufacturers and brands looking to thrive in 2025 and beyond, adapting to these trends is essential. Glassesshare advises companies to invest in sustainable materials and production processes, collaborate with tech partners to integrate smart features, and leverage digital tools to offer personalized solutions. “The eyewear industry is becoming more competitive, but there are ample opportunities for those who can innovate and meet evolving consumer demands,” concluded Alex Wang. “As an OEM/ODM provider, we are committed to helping our clients stay ahead of the curve by providing cutting-edge, sustainable, and personalized eyewear solutions.”