American multinational retail corporation Walmart has introduced Karün, its inaugural eyewear brand crafted from traceable recycled materials.

Available at 1,400 Walmart Vision Center locations nationwide, Karün utilises recycled fishing nets, metals, and plastics sourced from Patagonia's coasts.

The retailer said that 78% of US consumers prioritise a sustainable lifestyle and in response it aims to provide affordable yet eco-conscious eyewear options.

Thomas Kimber, founder and CEO of Karün, emphasised the brand's dedication to nature protection through the Karün Traceability System.

“At Karün, our mission is to create eyewear that helps protect nature. Through our Karün Traceability System, we enable customers to learn where their eyewear materials were collected, how far they travelled and where they were produced.

“We chose to work with Walmart as our US national retailer to expand access to more sustainable eyewear options,” said Kimber.

Circularity in action

Walmart's partnership with Karün reflects a strategic move to make sustainable eyewear accessible to a wider audience.

Karün's launch aligns with Walmart's broader strategy of infusing circularity across its product categories, emphasising quality, durability, and sustainability. This collaboration exemplifies Walmart's commitment to becoming a regenerative company.

Expanding affordable and sustainable choices

Building on its success with brands such as DKNY, Columbia, Bebe, and NIKE Eyewear, Walmart has introduced Karün to address the growing demand for stylish yet affordable sustainable eyewear.

Karün's collection boasts 18 distinct styles, ranging from classic aviators to round, rectangle, and square frames, priced between $114 and $132.

By diversifying its eyewear offerings, Walmart aims to make sustainable choices accessible to a wider demographic, with plans to extend availability to additional Vision Centers in the near future.