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Posted on 25th Feb 2011 @ 3:42 PM

Polaroid

September 25, 2010 -- Monaco -- Polaroid joins forces with PlanetSolar for a global solar powered sailing challenge…to sail around the world powered only by the sun in a bid to change the world’s outlook towards renewable energy. Polaroid Eyewear is recognized around the world for its innovative approach to polarized lens technology and promoting the need for eye protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. As an official sponsor and the sunglass provider, Polaroid Eyewear will play a crucial role in protecting the crew's eyes.  

"For us this is the perfect partnership," said Jerry Dreifuss, Global Marketing Manager, at Polaroid Eyewear. "At Polaroid Eyewear our business has been built around technology that delivers sun protection for the eyes through the ongoing development of polarized lenses. Long term investment in research relating to all aspects of this has always been a crucial part of our business ethic. We continuously look for ways we can reduce environmental impact and use materials from renewable sources in our sunglasses. For example, our manufacturing site in the UK is certified and operates to ISO 14001 International Environmental Management Standards and we use the latest plant-based materials for lens production."

Raphael Domjan, Founder & Skipper of PlanetSolar said "We are delighted that Polaroid has agreed to sponsor us on this unique project. Their position as industry innovators with a commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing from renewable resources all fits perfectly with our goals here at PlanetSolar. For myself, I already know how good and effective Polaroid sunglasses are. When I am sailing they give me good vision and protect my eyes from light reflected off the water and off the solar cells on the boat. With Polaroid’s support, the whole crew will get the same benefits of Polaroid’s glare-free vision and all-day, comfortable fit."

The glasses:

The very latest polarized lens technology from Polaroid will be a huge help to the PlanetSolar team as they first sail around Europe during 2010 and then onto the rest of the world in 2011. All the sunglasses the crew will be wearing feature Polaroid’s new UltraSight™ lenses. These are the latest in a series of world-first polarized lens developments from Polaroid. This new lens combines breakthrough production technology – Thermofusion™ - with the use of eco-materials. The polymer used in the lens is made from plant-based cellulose – a natural, renewable resource. Polycarbonates commonly used in other sunglasses are derived from crude oil, a finite resource.

Only used exclusively in Polaroid polarized sunglasses, these lenses deliver perfect vision right across the lens without compromising on polarizing capability so they eliminate glare. This is particularly useful on the water, where reflected glare is very bright. They also feature a highly efficient UV absorber capable of blocking out 100% of harmful UV rays – giving the best eye protection you can get from any sunglasses.

The technology:

The Thermofusion™ Technology developed by Polaroid to produce these new high performance lenses is unique in its ability to be formed while still protecting the polarizing layer at the core of the lens. With other production methods, the optical quality of the lens can be compromised as it comes into direct contact with hot plastic while being formed. Thermofusion avoids this with its multi-layered fused construction and by carefully controlling temperature in the lens mold while also protecting and shaping each lens during the production process. This ensures each lens is optically correct and can block glare with great efficiency. These lenses also provide better scratch resistance, impact resistance.

With people and businesses moving toward an increased awareness of the world’s valuable and finite resources, PlanetSolar and Polaroid Eyewear give people the opportunity to show their support and enthusiasm for eco-friendly products and movements.

To find out more go to www.polaroideyewear.com and www.planetsolar.org or contact Rachel Scholan, North American Marketing and Product Manager at marketing.usa@polaroideyewear.com.