Ray-Ban Polypropionate Frames: Chemistry That Helps

Modern society harbors many strange stereotypes, one of which is: plastics = cheap, mass-market, and short-lived. What a shame! Because in fact, today's plastic is not only light and attractive but also strong, durable, and non-allergenic!

Proof of all these benefits are Ray-Ban plastic frames, of which there are many! :)

It All Started with Acid

Ray-Ban frames are made from several types of plastics, one of which is cellulose propionate (another is cellulose acetate). This is a type of alkyd resin obtained through the chemical reaction of cellulose with organic propionic acid.

Propionic acid was first described by Johann Gottlieb in 1844, when the researcher discovered it in the decomposition of sugar.



The substance is a caustic liquid with a sharp smell and no color. It naturally occurs as part of crude oil and is also produced industrially.

Its derivative, cellulose propionate, is presented as a textured plastic that, in its transparency, resembles crystal. As for the properties of polypropionate, it is resistant to acids, alkalis, solvents, and, ATTENTION!, is not affected by moisture (unlike cellulose acetate).

Propionates in Optics

Cellulose propionate is widely used in the production of eyewear frames. This material is very similar to cellulose acetate (also used in optics) but has a lower density, making it stronger and more flexible.



Polypropionate is wear-resistant, elastic, and excellently resists deformation. Typically, frames made from this material are coated with a layer of lacquer for additional protection from external influences.

Ray-Ban has been using plastics in frame production for ages. Back in 1952, American optical designer Raymond Stegeman created the revolutionary Wayfarer model, whose distinguishing feature was its plastic frame!

Today, plastic frames account for 30-40% of global sales. Ray-Ban offers numerous collections featuring plastic frames in various colors and shapes!



It’s worth noting that Ray-Ban polypropionate frames have the following characteristics:

• Lightweight: due to the material's properties and the proper frame design;


• Tactile: Ray-Ban's smooth frame surface is achieved through polishing for 5-10 days in a special drum;


• Easy adjustment: the temples have metal cores, allowing for adjustment;


• Durability, functionality, hypoallergenicity: thanks to cellulose propionate’s properties;


• Fashion factor: the variety of colors and shapes you won’t find with metal frames!

We hope we’ve convinced you that cellulose plastic frames are NOT cheap, tacky, or "Made in China"! So, if you're ready to break silly stereotypes like this one with us, Ray-Ban sunglasses with plastic frames are already waiting for you in our store!!! :)