The RSPB has partnered with the UK glasses brand Bird Eyewear to protect one of Britain’s best-loved birds through the launch of a new range of sunglasses inspired by the Swift.

Recently added to the highest priority Red List as a Bird Conservation Concern, the Swift is currently facing growing threat due to continued habitat loss at the hands of persistent development over Britain’s green spaces.

Working with the RSPB, Bird Eyewear has created a new pair of sunglasses based on the curved lines and characteristics of the endangered bird. The range has been produced using a plant-based bio-acetate that utilises plant cellulose rather than relying on crude oil-based plastics. Bird Eyewear will donate 10% of every sale of The Swift to the RSPB.

“We’re delighted to work with the RSPB which is such a natural collaboration for myself and the team at Bird Eyewear,” said Ed Bird, eco and founder of Bird Eyewear. “The mission of making Eyewear for a Better World couldn’t be more suited to championing one of the UK’s most loved species.”

Louisa Skevington, product licensing manager at the RSPB, added: “This partnership helps to support the effort of the RSPB which is working to boost the number of nest sites for Swifts across the UK, as well as with partners along migratory flyways to ensure Swifts remain a familiar sight in our summer skies.”

This Products of Change Member News Story appears in the Summer 2024 edition of the Products of Change magazine, available to read online and in print now. Pick up your copy of the issue from the Products of Change Licensing Expo booth, S226 this week.