Rockpool sunglass range
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Eco Design
Company Name:Ballo
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Alistair Barnes
Design Team / Other designer(s):Beth Woodroffe
Manufacturer Name:Ballo
Distributors Name:Ballo
Client Name:Ballo
Photo Credit:Gary van Wyk
Project Location:Cape Town
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Product Description:
Inspired by the ever-changing play of light in tidal pools, the Rockpool collection brings eight distinctive bio-acetate frames that capture the organic beauty of coastal landscapes. Each piece in this limited capsule collection features rich, layered colourways reminiscent of sun-dappled water, weathered stone, vibrant seaweeds and marine life - from deep ocean blues to warm amber tones and unexpected flashes of coral. Crafted from plant based bio-acetate, these frames prove that responsible design doesn’t mean compromising on style. Whether you’re drawn to bold, architectural shapes or softer, vintage-inspired silhouettes, Rockpool offers a frame for every face and mood, all unified by their connection to the natural world where sea meets shore.
Inspired by the ever-changing play of light in tidal pools, the Rockpool collection brings eight distinctive bio-acetate frames that capture the organic beauty of coastal landscapes. Each piece in this limited capsule collection features rich, layered colourways reminiscent of sun-dappled water, weathered stone, vibrant seaweeds and marine life - from deep ocean blues to warm amber tones and unexpected flashes of coral. Crafted from plant based bio-acetate, these frames prove that responsible design doesn’t mean compromising on style. Whether you’re drawn to bold, architectural shapes or softer, vintage-inspired silhouettes, Rockpool offers a frame for every face and mood, all unified by their connection to the natural world where sea meets shore.
Product Innovation / Specification:
All frames are handmade. Bio-acetate is made from plants, not plastic. No fossil fuels. No shortcuts. Just renewable cotton and wood pulp–crafted into frames that feel good, last long and leave less behind. Durable. Adaptable. Biodegradable. These frames feature 3 rivet hinges for durability, adjustable steel core temples and UV400 rated CR39 mineral glass lenses with anti-reflective coating on the inside. They are sold in custom recycled paper magnetic boxes and recycled microfiber pouches. The acetate colours for the range were named by Rockpool expert, Roushanna Gray from Veld and Sea.
All frames are handmade. Bio-acetate is made from plants, not plastic. No fossil fuels. No shortcuts. Just renewable cotton and wood pulp–crafted into frames that feel good, last long and leave less behind. Durable. Adaptable. Biodegradable. These frames feature 3 rivet hinges for durability, adjustable steel core temples and UV400 rated CR39 mineral glass lenses with anti-reflective coating on the inside. They are sold in custom recycled paper magnetic boxes and recycled microfiber pouches. The acetate colours for the range were named by Rockpool expert, Roushanna Gray from Veld and Sea.
Product Sustainability Approach:
Sustainability is one of our founding principles. Here are some of the ways we are sustainable: We donate a frame to a schoolchild in need of glasses for every pair we sell. All frames are handmade, creating employment. All materials are recycled/upcycled/plant-based. We are a registered B-Corporation and 1% for the Planet contributor. We plant a tree with GreenPop for every online order we ship, which offsets the carbon by approximately 50x.
Sustainability is one of our founding principles. Here are some of the ways we are sustainable: We donate a frame to a schoolchild in need of glasses for every pair we sell. All frames are handmade, creating employment. All materials are recycled/upcycled/plant-based. We are a registered B-Corporation and 1% for the Planet contributor. We plant a tree with GreenPop for every online order we ship, which offsets the carbon by approximately 50x.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
Local Impacts We are based in Woodstock, Cape Town. Our frames are handmade, which directly creates and supports local employment for craftspeople. We also operate a repair workshop in Woodstock, keeping frames in use and generating ongoing local economic activity. Our Buy One Give One program partners with the African Eye Institute (AEI) to donate frames to South African schoolchildren in need of reading glasses, creating a direct social impact in local communities. Regional Impacts More broadly, our sustainability model has wider regional relevance. We are a BCorp Certified company and a 1% for the Planet member, committing 1% of revenue to local environmental NGOs. We plant a tree for every pair sold, which contributes to ecosystem restoration across the region.
Local Impacts We are based in Woodstock, Cape Town. Our frames are handmade, which directly creates and supports local employment for craftspeople. We also operate a repair workshop in Woodstock, keeping frames in use and generating ongoing local economic activity. Our Buy One Give One program partners with the African Eye Institute (AEI) to donate frames to South African schoolchildren in need of reading glasses, creating a direct social impact in local communities. Regional Impacts More broadly, our sustainability model has wider regional relevance. We are a BCorp Certified company and a 1% for the Planet member, committing 1% of revenue to local environmental NGOs. We plant a tree for every pair sold, which contributes to ecosystem restoration across the region.
Company Name:Ballo
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Alistair Barnes
