For B2B eyewear buyers—especially those managing collections across continents like Australia, Spain, India, or the U.S.—frame material isn’t just about design. It’s a commercial decision. Building brand loyalty results in positive business outcomes. The wrong one? That can eat into profits, tarnish your brand, or delay distribution timelines.
So, what materials actually make a difference when sourcing at scale? In this article, we’re breaking down the top six optical frame materials that are dominating 2025 catalogs and why they’re a smart bet for bulk buyers and brand builders alike.
Whether you’re crafting exclusive collections or scaling a proven best-seller, here’s what you should be looking for.
1. Acetate: Where Craft Meets Commercial Scale
Primary Keyword: durable optical frames
Acetate is the go-to material for many premium optical frames brands. Why? It makes inroads to mix the charm of handcrafting with that of very high-volume manufacturability.
Durability: Cellulose acetate is not plastic. It is the plant-based, hypoallergenic material that is resistant and flexible.
Style Options: It allows layering and coloring that other materials can’t replicate—ideal for creating striking SKUs that stand out online or in-store.
Adjustability: Can be heat-molded, making it easier for opticians and end-users to fine-tune fit.
💬 “The longevity and reusability of acetate frames make them a prime choice for sustainable eyewear production.” – Elena Murano, Product Designer, EU Optical Frames Trends 2025
👉 See Statista’s data on sustainable eyewear materials rising in B2B orders.
Also Read ⇒ Why Frame Material Matters More Than Ever in 2025
2. TR-90: Lightweight, Impact-Resistant, and Ideal for Activewear Lines
TR-90 is a Swiss-invented thermoplastic that’s carving out a serious place in performance and sportswear segments.
Ergonomics: Extremely lightweight, with memory flexibility for wear-all-day comfort.
Impact Resistance: Highly shatterproof—great for sports eyewear or children’s lines.
UV & Sweat Resistant: Perfect for tropical markets like Thailand or Vietnam, where the climate can affect frame longevity.
Case in point: A Southeast Asian brand scaled a TR-90-based line and saw a 35% decrease in customer complaints related to frame fatigue or cracking, as reported by Optical frames Retail Asia’s 2024 Annual Survey.
3. Stainless Steel: For Minimalist Luxury and Function
Primary Keyword: profitable eyewear materials
In the luxury or executive eyewear space, stainless steel remains unbeatable for its strength-to-weight ratio.
Thin Profiles: Enables ultra-minimalist, elegant frame designs without compromising structure.
non-rusting, long Durability
androgynous aesthetic: Works across collections—men’s, women’s, and unisex.
Design teams also love its neutrality. “Stainless steel lets the lens shape do the talking,” notes Monica Rivas, lead designer at an EU optical frames brand. That matters for high-AOV SKUs where design is everything.
👉 Here’s how minimalist eyewear is trending globally in 2025.
4. Titanium: Premium Material for Premium Markups
When profit per piece matters, titanium is your best friend.
Ultralight Yet Durable: Extremely strong while being feather-light.
Hypoallergenic: Perfect for folks whose skin throws a fit over everything. Seriously, if you break out from just looking at cheap jewelry, this one’s for you.
Anti-corrosive: Laughs in the face of sweat, salt, and sticky humidity.
This stuff can survive Aussie summers or a week in the Philippines without turning into a rusty mess.
Yes, titanium is more expensive. But its resale value is significantly higher. In fact, according to Statista, the luxury eyewear segment grew by 14% in 2024, with titanium styles making up a large portion of that revenue.
5. Ultem: The Silent Game-Changer for High-Volume Production of Optical Frames
Secondary Keyword: optical frames in bulk
If you’re after something that won’t empty your wallet but still holds up, Ultem’s your guy.
Crazy light, too—like, half the weight of acetate.
Heat Resistant: Holds form even in high temperatures—ideal for markets like India or Africa.
FDA-Approved Material: Safe, trusted, and frequently used in medical applications.
Ultem frames are increasingly used in OEM/ODM projects because of their manufacturing ease and strength. One Korean-American brand launched a capsule Ultem line last year and saw a 22% lift in online reorders, thanks to positive customer reviews on comfort and fit.
This is exactly the kind of value addition that OEM partners like Aisen Optical frames bring to the table—offering full-service development from technical drawings to mass production for materials like Ultem and beyond.
6. Eco-Resins: The Rising Star of Sustainable Collections
Honestly, eco-resins from stuff like castor oil or old plastic bottles? Total game-changer for B2B.
Especially if you’re a new brand trying to flex those ESG goals
Gen Z and environmentally aware shoppers
If you want to stand out to all those planet-loving shoppers, this is your ticket.
Marketing Friendly: Allows storytelling—about the planet, about conscious design.
Functional: Today’s bio-resins rival traditional plastics in durability and finish.
In 2025, eyewear brands with sustainability messaging saw a 1.7x higher engagement rate on digital campaigns (source: Statista).
One UK-based start-up used a custom eco-resin frame in its Kickstarter campaign and hit full funding in 4 days—proof that buyers care and spend on planet-friendly collections.
Why Material Matters More Than Ever
From design teams in Madrid to buyers in Manila, everyone’s asking the same question: How can we deliver more value in less time without compromising on quality?
That’s where working with end-to-end OEM partners makes all the difference. Aisen Optical, for example, supports both small and scaling brands with
Tech packs & 3D renders
Mold creation & prototyping
Material consulting across acetate, titanium, Ultem, and more
This one-roof setup allows you to stay agile, innovate fast, and hit the market with exclusive, high-margin frames before your competitors do.
Conclusion: Optical Frames Profitability Is in the Details
Choosing the right frame material is no longer just a style decision—it’s a strategic growth lever. The most successful eyewear brands today aren’t just picking what looks good. They prefer to invest in things that last the longest, sell the best, and have stories that are stronger.
If you are ready for something that commands attention and generates revenue, it starts with sourcing the right materials and right partners.
From concept to container, Aisen Optical is here to help brands launch mesmerizing eyewear lines with the best quality materials, margins that can compete, and facilities for full-cycle production.
📩 Let’s design something that lasts—and sells.
TL;DR – 6 Materials That Make Optical Frames Durable & Profitable for B2B Buyers
Acetate: Best for vibrant, luxurious looks and sustainability.
TR-90: Ideal for lightweight, activewear, and children’s frames.
Stainless Steel: Perfect for minimalist, upscale collections.
Titanium: Premium choice with high resale value and durability.
Ultem: Great for mass production with low weight and high strength.
Eco-Resins: Aligns with sustainability trends and ESG branding.
Smart material choices = stronger profits, fewer returns, and happier customers. Scale it smart with experienced OEMs like Aisen Optical.
