On the latest episode of The Sustainable Angler Podcast, I sit down with Dylan Coates and Stephen Vaughan from Hobie Eyewear to talk about an incredible sustainability story in the fishing and outdoor industry: turning kayak manufacturing waste into best-selling sunglasses.
Upcycling: From Kayak Scraps to Sunglasses
Every year, Hobie kayak manufacturing produces plastic waste. Instead of sending those scraps to the landfill, Hobie Eyewear developed an innovative process to grind down leftover kayak material into pellets, which are then injection-molded into sunglass frames.
The result is the Hobie Hull, a floatable sunglass frame made from upcycled Hobie kayak plastic. These sunglasses prove that what some may consider “waste” can actually be a valuable resource. In fact, the Hobie Hull is now the #1 selling sunglass on Hobie Eyewear’s website, showing that anglers are not only open to sustainable products—they’re demanding them.
To quote sustainability legend Bob Willard, waste equals squandered corporate assets. Hobie Eyewear is proving that by upcycling, companies can reduce environmental impact, save money, and create higher-value products.
Why Anglers Love Hobie Hull Sunglasses
- Sustainable materials: made from upcycled Hobie kayak scraps
- Floatable: designed with anglers in mind—no more losing sunglasses in the water
- Proven demand: the top-selling sunglass on Hobie Eyewear’s website
These features show that sustainability doesn’t just help the planet—it drives sales and strengthens brand loyalty. In short, anglers are increasingly supporting brands that align with their values and the Hobie Hull sunglasses are a product that proves it!
Giving Back: Conservation Beyond the Product
Hobie Eyewear’s sustainability strategy goes beyond the product itself. They are:
- Donating a portion of sales to the Fish America Foundation, which funds conservation and habitat restoration projects.
- Hosting lake cleanups to reduce plastic pollution and protect fisheries.
- Packaging with paper-based materials to eliminate unnecessary plastic waste.
This holistic approach—products, packaging, and purpose—demonstrates how brands can align profit with protecting the planet.
Key Takeaway for Brands
The Hobie Hull sunglasses are a powerful example of the business case for sustainability. By rethinking waste as a resource, Hobie Eyewear not only created a popular new product but also boosted brand reputation and deepened their connection with environmentally conscious anglers.
For fishing and outdoor brands, the lesson is clear:
- Innovation through upcycling can transform waste into high-value products.
- Customers reward sustainability with loyalty and sales.
- Conservation partnerships amplify your impact and credibility.
Listen to the Full Episode
Want to hear the full story from Dylan and Stephen at Hobie Eyewear? Tune in to this episode of The Sustainable Angler Podcast to learn how they turned kayak waste into a best-selling product and how anglers are driving the demand for sustainable gear.