A Glasgow based sunglasses brand known for their custom filter lens, have launched a selection of frames made from plant based, 100% biodegradable acetate.

Tens have also discovered reasons behind why people claim that their sunglasses actually make them feel happier.

Derived from the renewable resources of cotton and wood pulp from a sustainably managed forest, the 100 per cent biodegradable acetate used in Tens’ latest frames has been developed by renowned Italian manufacturer, Mazzucchelli.

It's been proven to have significantly less impact on the environment compared to regular plastic sunglasses, which are based on petrochemical substances that burn oxygen and release CO2.

Tens have also offered a service to safely dispose frames on behalf of customers, which can biodegrade in 115 days when pulverised and composted in controlled environments.

“We want people to feel good about what they’re wearing and we want to feel good about we’re making. The transition to bio acetate has been challenging given the high expense and long lead times, but we’re proud as a small company to be making this move and we welcome the bigger brands to follow suit,” said co-founder Kris Reid.

Born from an idea on a road trip through the Scottish Highlands, Tens founders Marty Bell, Kris Reid and Tom Welsh drew from their experience in the photography and film industries to develop a lens that reflected the colour-grading techniques applied in post production.

Tens recently worked with light psychology expert Karl Ryberg, to reinforce that the colour of their lens - a warm amber hue - does in fact have an affect on people’s mood. Karl explains during the research that orange hues are representative of sunsets - when blue visible light is essentially removed from sunlight - leaving an orange-red wavelength band of 600-700nm. Our brains associate these colours with the end of the working day and an evening of rest.

Co-founder Marty Bell said of thet findings: “We just wanted to create a lens that made everyday life look like a 35mm photo of Venice Beach in the ‘70s, so it’s cool to know that there’s some psychology behind our theory that these tones genuinely make you feel happier.”

Another explanation Karl Ryberg highlights is that the connection between the orange glow of a flame and that feeling of safety, comfort and social interaction is something that’s ingrained in our biological makeup, as humans have been using fire for millions of years to cook and stay warm.

The Herald:

Tens signature lens tint focuses on the way bright sunlight is filtered, highlighting colours with subtle yellows and oranges, and adding saturation to greens and blues.

In an additional research piece, colour psychologist Judy Scott-Kemmis explains: “Orange brings spontaneity and a positive outlook on life and is a great colour to use during tough economic times, keeping us motivated and helping us to look on the bright side of life.

"With its enthusiasm for life, the colour orange relates to adventure and risk-taking, inspiring physical confidence, competition and independence. Those inspired by orange are always on the go.“

The Herald:

Harper

Tens bio collection which features their signature lens tint includes two new silhouettes and multiple new colour ways of existing popular styles, starting from £79.

Their latest commercial and exclusively online store can be found on their new website at tens.co.