bbase is an eyewear design and production studio with over 20 years of experience partnering with global fashion brands and retailers. Were headquartered in Hong Kong, with offices in New York, London, Barcelona, Singapore and China. Their work extends far beyond design, manufacturing, and distribution through initiatives they have pioneered like the bow Index, incubbase, bbLAB, and bb_verse.
▲ Jo Black, bbase CEO
What is the vision of bbase?
We’re not just making products—we’re shaping a movement. Our vision is to redefine the eyewear industry by blending artistry with cutting-edge technology, bridging the gap between the physical and digital. We are focused on advancing circularity practices and delivering solutions that have a real impact.
What criteria do you consider when selecting suppliers?
Our supplier selection process is anchored in our commitment to merging design innovation with sustainability. We seek partners who not only excel in their craft, and are willing to develop innovative eyewear designs with us, but also share our values, particularly when it comes to responsible practices. Certifications such as GRS and ISCC+ are key indicators of a supplier’s dedication to eco-conscious practices, and they play a critical role in our decision-making.
We also prioritize alignment with our bow Index, this initiative emphasizes the importance of recycled, bio-based, and other responsible materials, setting the standard for what we aim to achieve.
Transparency is also non-negotiable. We look for partners who can provide traceability throughout their processes, ensuring accountability at every stage. Whether it’s advancing material development, integrating digital technologies, or enhancing logistics, we choose to partner with who can grow with us and push the boundaries of a better and positive eyewear industry.
How does your company address sustainability within the supply chain? Are there specific initiatives you have implemented?
Since 2020, we’ve led the way with the bow Index, a tool designed to compare and evaluate recycled and bio-based materials in eyewear production. It’s a collaborative bridge for suppliers, designers, and clients in building a responsible future. Currently, bbase is researching and testing over 50 materials for the Index.
To streamline processes and minimize waste, we’ve introduced bb_verse, our immersive virtual platform. This initiative enables virtual showrooms and digital range planning, reduces inefficiencies common in traditional supply chains. Complementing this is bbLAB, our 3D print workshop, where we prototype with precision and minimal resource use, accelerating innovation while reducing our environmental footprint.
▲ The immersive virtual platform bb_verse showcases digital eyewear products.
▲ Products that balance innovation and sustainability are produced using 3D printing technology.
Collaboration is key to creating a truly circular supply chain. Through incubbase, we partner with institutions like Hong Kong Polytechnic University, LaSalle College of the Arts Singapore, and Nanyang Technology University Singapore, alongside thought leaders like WGSN and Eastman, to inspire a new generation of designers to think sustainably. Along with close and trusted relationships with our suppliers, these collaborations have directly shaped eyewear collections that prioritize thoughtful design and environmental stewardship.
What do you foresee as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the eyewear supply chain in the coming?
The eyewear supply chain is at a crossroads, balancing entrenched challenges with transformative opportunities. Global economic trends and socio-political situations have exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional supply chains, highlighting the need for diversification. Diversifying supply chains can be daunting, and this is the reason we work closely with our clients to make that transition thorough and seamless. We know that expanding global supplier networks can reduce transportation costs, shorten delivery times, and adapt to disruptions and market shifts, all while tapping into emerging markets.
With sustainability now a fundamental expectation, the supply chain faces the dual challenge of balancing environmental responsibility with scalability. The rising cost of sustainable materials and growing consumer demands for transparency and accountability have raised the bar. This is also a moment of opportunity – brands and retailers that embrace these expectations can differentiate themselves, create deeper trust, and lead in the market.
The rise of digitalization is also reshaping the landscape. We’re responding with bb_verse, our immersive digital platform that harmonizes traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology, streamlining processes and delivering dynamic, interactive experiences for our clients to stay ahead of trends in product development. Our bbLAB 3D printing workshop delivers scalable, rapid solutions to prototype and test designs, reducing waste and accelerating production cycles.
Sustainability and innovation are intertwined. We view challenges as opportunities for growth and are dedicated to working alongside our strategic alliance partners, as well as our retail and brand partners, to build resilient and responsible supply chains at bbase, paving the way for a more sustainable future in the eyewear industry.