If you're a fan of premium, rainbow-hued acetate frames, you have likely heard of Mazzucchelli acetate. This innovative material has revolutionised the eyewear industry, offering a superior combination of durability, flexibility, and vibrant colour options. But what exactly is Mazzucchelli acetate, and what makes it so special? In this blog, we'll explore everything you need to know about this remarkable material, from its rich history to its many properties and uses.
👪 A FAMILY AFFAIR
The company name, Mazzucchelli 1849, is an obvious starting point for exploring the brand's heritage. Mazzucchelli is the family name of the Italian artisan, Santino Mazzucchelli, who founded the original workshop in 1849. Initially specialising in the production of buttons, combs, and decorative objects made of animal horn, bone, and tortoiseshell, Santino upgraded the workshop to a factory in Castiglione Olona, an area north of Milan, after moving to the area between 1851 and 1858.
The company enjoyed considerable success, and by 1869, the workforce had expanded to around 200 workers. When management transferred to Santino's son, Pompeo, the company began to explore manufacturing celluloid. Pompeo established a new factory in Castiglione Olona to process this promising material, which replaced the animal-derived raw materials they had traditionally used.
Moving into the production of plastic materials, specifically, cellulose acetate, Mazzucchelli became the natural partner for eyewear manufacturers worldwide. Six generations down the line, the company remains majority-owned and wholly operated by the Mazzucchelli family, with the headquarters based in Castiglione Olona to this day.
🌍 FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
The driving force behind Mazzucchelli's continued success is a commitment to research and development, with a particular focus on reducing their impact on the environment. One of the main components of cellulose acetate is cellulose acetate powder, a material derived from wood pulp or cotton. Mazzucchelli only sources powder made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood, which verifies that it comes from responsibly managed forests.
The second component of cellulose acetate is plasticiser, traditionally made from phthalates, a man-made chemical compound, but now replaced with a proprietary formula of vegetable origin. Sourcing renewable, plant-based raw materials makes Mazzucchelli more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based polymers.
The manufacturing process for Mazzucchelli acetate produces less waste and emissions compared to other polymers. For example, a closed-loop system has been implemented for water usage, which allows the factory to reuse and recycle water. Additionally, to tackle waste disposal, Mazzucchelli works with one of their raw material providers, Eastman, to transform acetate production scrap into cellulose diacetate, composed of 60% bio-based and 40% recycled content.
🤓 MATERIAL BENEFITS
The high quality of Mazzucchelli acetate lends itself not only to eyewear but also to fashion accessories, jewellery, and even hairbrushes and headbands. Some of its benefits include:
- Durability: Mazzucchelli acetate is highly durable and resistant to impact, scratches, and chemical damage. This feature makes it a popular choice for eyewear frames, which must withstand regular use and potential impact.
- Comfort: Mazzucchelli acetate is a lightweight and flexible material with a smooth and silky finish, which makes it comfortable to wear for long periods. It also has hypoallergenic properties, making it a suitable choice for individuals with sensitive skin.
- Aesthetics: Mazzucchelli acetate has a unique, natural look and feel, which can be customised through different finishing techniques, such as polishing or sanding. It offers unrivalled colour options and brightness, as well as intricate and varied patterns, allowing for more creative design options.
CONCLUSION
Mazzucchelli is the great supporting act to many of the best eyewear brands that demand the highest quality and unique aesthetics. A quiet dedication to innovation, product development, and sustainability has allowed the family-run firm to be the market leader in bio-based, biodegradable plastics. Explore our collection of Mazzucchelli eyewear and acquire your little piece of Italian artisanal excellence.