The unprecedented Pole to Pole Expedition, led by British adventurer and Guinness World Record holder Chris Ramsey, has partnered with Coral Eyewear for the team’s eye protection requirements. Starting in 2023, the Pole to Pole Expedition will cover some 17,000 miles across 14 countries and three continents using an all-electric car, making its way between the poles.
From the extreme cold of the north and south poles to hot and humid equatorial jungles, the team’s journey through Antarctica, the Americas and the Arctic will be supported by highly-functional and sustainable sunglasses from Coral Eyewear. Founded in 2019 by 19-year-old George Bailey, Coral Eyewear exclusively uses environmentally-friendly materials in its frames, created in partnership with Econyl – including recycled fishing nets and plastic that has been sent to landfill.
Designed in Britain and handcrafted in Italy, Coral Eyewear is retailed in recyclable packaging, offers impact-free delivery and its lenses are ‘infinitely’ recyclable. Together, these factors make the brand a global leader in sustainable sunglasses and the perfect eyewear partner for the Pole to Pole Expedition. Each member of the team will utilise two types of eyewear; one lifestyle-orientated pair and a wraparound-style “Adventurer” pair for the polar regions.
Both pairs will feature Coral Eyewear’s outstanding polarisation and UV protection, providing the expedition team with glare reduction, improved colour perception and visual clarity in demanding conditions. From the extreme reflectivity of snow and ice to summer temperatures of 40-45 degrees C and inhospitable ultraviolet at the equator, Coral Eyewear’s UVA and UVB filtration will protect the team’s eye health throughout the 120-day journey.
The expedition is intended to raise awareness of the climate crisis and the role that electric cars can play in reducing our carbon footprint. It will highlight the viability of contemporary electric vehicles by demonstrating their range and durability in some of the most adverse conditions imaginable.
Chris Ramsey, Founder of Pole to Pole Expedition, said: “Finding sustainable solutions to everyday products ensures we leave as little trace as possible. This is at the heart of the expedition’s ethos. Much like the role of electric vehicles in providing more sustainable personal transport, Coral Eyewear is using discarded materials to create more sustainable sunglasses, helping to clean up the planet in the process.”
“It goes without saying that driving 17,000 miles in some truly extreme conditions requires excellent visual awareness and maintaining healthy eyes will be critical to the expedition’s success. It is fantastic to work with the next generation of innovators and a brand that not only embraces sustainability and the circular economy but will also keep us safe on and off the road throughout the expedition.”
George Bailey, Co-Founder Coral Eyewear, said: “We launched Coral Eyewear just over a year ago with a campaign entitled “It’s a Frame of Mind” which focused on the need to embrace sustainable technologies and expand their use by pushing the boundaries of renewable, recycled, and circular solutions. I’m delighted that Chris and his team will be wearing our eyewear on the upcoming expedition. The distance covered and complex terrains navigated will showcase the longevity and high-performance nature of Electric Vehicles – a crucial tool in our battle against the Climate Crisis.
“By wearing our sunglasses across the world, the team will provide us with an incredible opportunity to showcase the strength of our sunglasses and lens technology. Seeing our Adventurer sunglasses in locations such as Antarctica and the incredible jungles in South America will be a proud moment for our small team and we’d like to thank Chris for believing in the brand’s mission to protect our oceans.”
