I. Executive Summary

Company Description

EcoVision Eyewear is a biodegradable sunglasses manufacturer that aims to address the growing concern of plastic pollution in the fashion industry. Based in Portland, Oregon, our company operates in the sustainable fashion market, offering stylish and durable sunglasses made from innovative biodegradable materials. Our key products not only provide high-quality UV protection but also contribute to the reduction of plastic waste, setting us apart from traditional non-biodegradable eyewear brands. As a direct-to-consumer business, we engage in designing, manufacturing, and marketing activities to deliver our eco-friendly sunglasses to environmentally aware consumers who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

Our target market includes eco-conscious millennials, Gen Z, outdoor enthusiasts, and fashion-forward individuals looking for sustainable accessories that align with their values. In the short-term, our goals include successfully launching the EcoVision Eyewear brand and achieving a break-even point within the first 18 months of operations. Long-term objectives involve expanding our product lines, increasing market share, and establishing partnerships with major environmental organizations to co-create campaigns.

Problem

The current environmental crisis, particularly the issue of plastic pollution, has become a major concern globally. The fashion industry, including the accessories sector, has contributed significantly to this problem through the production and disposal of non-biodegradable materials. This has led to a growing demand for sustainable alternatives, especially in the category of sunglasses and eyewear. EcoVision Eyewear aims to address the following specific problem:

• The excessive use of non-biodegradable materials in the manufacturing of sunglasses has resulted in a significant environmental impact, contributing to the already critical issue of plastic pollution.
• Consumers, particularly the environmentally conscious demographic, are increasingly seeking eco-friendly alternatives in all aspects of their lives, and the lack of sustainable options in the eyewear market creates a gap in meeting their needs and preferences.
• Existing non-biodegradable sunglasses pose a long-term threat to the environment, as they end up in landfills and oceans, taking hundreds of years to decompose and causing harm to marine life and ecosystems.
• Lack of sustainable alternatives in the sunglasses market often forces environmentally aware consumers to compromise on style, quality, or both, in their pursuit of eco-friendly options.

As a result of these issues, consumers face consequences such as contributing to environmental degradation, compromising on their values in favor of style and quality, and dealing with limited choices that align with their sustainability goals. Furthermore, the lack of viable solutions in the market creates a strong opportunity for EcoVision Eyewear to fulfill the unmet need for biodegradable sunglasses while providing consumers with a product that offers both style and sustainability.

Solution

At EcoVision Eyewear, our solution revolves around offering a range of biodegradable sunglasses that address the pressing environmental issues caused by non-biodegradable accessories. Our products are designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable fashion while providing consumers with stylish and durable eyewear.

• Biodegradable Materials: Our sunglasses are made from innovative and sustainable materials such as biodegradable plastic, bamboo, and wood, ensuring that they break down naturally at the end of their life cycle.
• Stylish Designs: We focus on designing sunglasses that cater to varying styles and preferences, ensuring that our customers can embrace sustainable fashion without compromising on aesthetics.
• UV Protection: Our sunglasses provide high-quality UV protection, making them a health-conscious choice for consumers who prioritize eye care.
• Environmental Contribution: By utilizing biodegradable materials, we directly contribute to the reduction of plastic waste in the fashion and accessories industry.
• Direct-to-Consumer Model: Through our online store, we offer competitively priced sunglasses while maintaining strong margins and reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional retail.

Our innovative products fulfill the need for environmentally friendly and durable eyewear, providing consumers with a responsible choice that aligns with their values. Whether it's protecting the environment, prioritizing fashion sustainability, or ensuring eye health, our biodegradable sunglasses offer a practical and effective solution to today's conscientious market.

Mission Statement

At EcoVision Eyewear, our mission is to revolutionize the eyewear industry by offering stylish, high-quality sunglasses made from sustainable, biodegradable materials. We are committed to providing eco-conscious consumers with a responsible and fashionable alternative, while actively contributing to the reduction of plastic pollution. Our relentless pursuit of innovation and environmental stewardship drives us to create a positive impact on the world while meeting the needs of our customers.

Key Success Factors

Financial Summary

EcoVision Eyewear's financial summary outlines the projected revenue, profitability, and ROI for the years 2024, 2025, and 2026 in the table below:

The business anticipates requiring initial funding of $2 million and aims to achieve an average gross margin of 60% on all products by the end of the second year. Additional funding opportunities, such as grants for green businesses and venture capital, will be explored, with a target of a Series A funding round by 2026.

In summary, EcoVision Eyewear's financial forecast demonstrates promising revenue and profitability growth alongside a strong return on investment, making it an attractive opportunity for potential investors and stakeholders.

Funding Requirements

In order to achieve the outlined business and financial goals, EcoVision Eyewear requires a strategic allocation of funding across various operational areas. The initial funding will be utilized to cover start-up costs, research and development, inventory, marketing, and technology infrastructure. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the total funding required by the startup:

II. Products & Services

Problem Worth Solving

The current environmental crisis, particularly the issue of plastic pollution, has become a major concern globally. The fashion industry, including the accessories sector, has contributed significantly to this problem through the production and disposal of non-biodegradable materials. This has led to a growing demand for sustainable alternatives, especially in the category of sunglasses and eyewear. As such, EcoVision Eyewear aims to address the following specific problem:

• The excessive use of non-biodegradable materials in the manufacturing of sunglasses has resulted in a significant environmental impact, contributing to the already critical issue of plastic pollution.
• Consumers, particularly the environmentally conscious demographic, are increasingly seeking eco-friendly alternatives in all aspects of their lives, and the lack of sustainable options in the eyewear market creates a gap in meeting their needs and preferences.
• Existing non-biodegradable sunglasses pose a long-term threat to the environment, as they end up in landfills and oceans, taking hundreds of years to decompose and causing harm to marine life and ecosystems.
• Lack of sustainable alternatives in the sunglasses market often forces environmentally aware consumers to compromise on style, quality, or both, in their pursuit of eco-friendly options.

As a result of these issues, consumers face consequences such as contributing to environmental degradation, compromising on their values in favor of style and quality, and dealing with limited choices that align with their sustainability goals. Furthermore, the lack of viable solutions in the market creates a strong opportunity for EcoVision Eyewear to fulfill the unmet need for biodegradable sunglasses while providing consumers with a product that offers both style and sustainability.

Our Solution

At EcoVision Eyewear, our solution revolves around offering a range of biodegradable sunglasses that address the pressing environmental issues caused by non-biodegradable accessories. Our products are designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable fashion while providing consumers with stylish and durable eyewear.

• Biodegradable Materials: Our sunglasses are made from innovative and sustainable materials such as biodegradable plastic, bamboo, and wood, ensuring that they break down naturally at the end of their life cycle.
• Stylish Designs: We focus on designing sunglasses that cater to varying styles and preferences, ensuring that our customers can embrace sustainable fashion without compromising on aesthetics.
• UV Protection: Our sunglasses provide high-quality UV protection, making them a health-conscious choice for consumers who prioritize eye care.
• Environmental Contribution: By utilizing biodegradable materials, we directly contribute to the reduction of plastic waste in the fashion and accessories industry.
• Direct-to-Consumer Model: Through our online store, we offer competitively priced sunglasses while maintaining strong margins and reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional retail.

Our innovative products fulfill the need for environmentally friendly and durable eyewear, providing consumers with a responsible choice that aligns with their values. Whether it's protecting the environment, prioritizing fashion sustainability, or ensuring eye health, our biodegradable sunglasses offer a practical and effective solution to today's conscientious market.

Unique Selling Proposition

EcoVision Eyewear sets itself apart from competitors in the sustainable fashion market by offering biodegradable sunglasses that combine style, durability, and eco-friendliness. Our unique value proposition is rooted in our commitment to providing consumers with stylish eyewear that not only aligns with their eco-conscious values but also offers high-quality UV protection without harming the environment.

• Stylish sunglasses made from sustainable, biodegradable materials.
• High-quality UV protection for health-conscious consumers.
• Direct contribution to the reduction of plastic pollution.
• Competitive pricing with a direct-to-consumer sales model.
• Alignment with the values of eco-conscious consumers.

Development Stage and Future Plans