REGENESIS

QCEG : Regenesis is redefining what eyewear can be made from. What first sparked the vision to turn waste and captured CO₂ into something so refined and beautiful?

MARCOS BULACIO : The vision began years ago while I was surfing during my travels. I found myself paddling through waves filled with plastic. It was heartbreaking to witness the ocean being suffocated by waste. That moment changed my life. I wanted to find a way to transform that pollution into possibility, and Regenesis grew from that vision. We discovered a way to create materials that actively help heal the planet. What once floated as plastic debris has now become a symbol of regeneration.

QCEG : Many brands speak about sustainability, but Regenesis seems to engineer it at a molecular level. How does this scientific approach reshape our idea of eco-friendly design?

MARCOS BULACIO : Sustainability has long been treated as an afterthought — a label added at the end of a product’s life. At Regenesis, it begins at the atomic scale. Our EcoFusion™ process doesn’t merely recycle plastic; it captures carbon and locks it into the molecular structure of the material itself. This shifts sustainability from “less harm” to “positive impact”. We’re not just reducing emissions; we’re storing them within products people wear every day. It’s a complete redefinition of what eco-friendly design can achieve.

Your materials — Carbonite™, Oceantate™, Aerolite™ — each feel like a new chapter in eyewear innovation.

QCEG : What story does each one tell about the future of materials?

MARCOS BULACIO : Each material represents a different dimension of regeneration.

• Carbonite™ — ultra-durable frames, blended with r-Carbon Fibre and Graphene for maximum strength. Ideal for sports, children, and durable optical frames.
• Oceantate™ — a fashion alternative to acetate sheets, made from ocean plastic. Ideal for fashion-focused frames.
• Aerolite™ — ultra-lightweight frames, blended with aerogel for superior lightness and comfort. Ideal for optical, sports and smart eyewear.

Together they show that performance, beauty, and sustainability can coexist without compromise.

QCEG : The EcoFusion™ process transforms ocean-bound plastics, agro-waste, and captured carbon into something luxurious. How did you balance advanced technology with aesthetics and comfort?

MARCOS BULACIO : EcoFusion™ was born from a simple question: Can we design materials that clean the planet and still feel premium in the hand? Balancing that required merging deep science with human sensibility.

The patent-pending process combines ocean-bound plastics collected from rivers and mangrove forests with biochar created from discarded coconut shells. The biochar not only captures and locks CO₂ inside the material, it reinforces it at the molecular level — resulting in composites that are both lighter and stronger than traditional plastics.

Our team worked closely with engineers and designers to fine-tune texture, flexibility, and colour so the final material doesn’t merely perform like a high-end material — it feels like one. EcoFusion™ proves that sustainability doesn’t have to look or feel “recycled”; it can deliver comfort, beauty, and performance while literally cleaning the planet with every frame produced.

QCEG : Ocean plastics are often seen as pollution — yet you’ve turned them into premium eyewear. How do you hope this transformation will inspire both designers and consumers?

MARCOS BULACIO : I hope it changes the narrative. Pollution is not the end of a material’s story — it’s the beginning of a new one. If we can turn discarded waste into luxury eyewear, then every designer has the power to design for regeneration. Consumers can participate too, by choosing products that actively clean the planet. Together, we can transform design into an act of restoration.

QCEG : Being nominated for the SILMO d’Or in the “Technological Innovation in Eyewear” category is a major recognition — how did you and your team react when you heard that Carbonite™ was selected?

MARCOS BULACIO : It was an emotional moment. For a small team from Bali to be recognised on the world stage at SILMO Paris, alongside some of the biggest names in eyewear, was both humbling and validating. It affirmed that our scientific approach isn’t just a concept — it’s shaping the future of the industry. It proves that innovation doesn’t depend on size, but on purpose.

QCEG : What does the SILMO d’Or nomination tell you about the industry’s readiness to embrace truly regenerative materials like Carbonite™ — beyond just “recycled plastic”?

MARCOS BULACIO : It shows that the eyewear industry is ready for a deeper conversation about sustainability. The nomination signals that innovation is no longer defined solely by design or performance; it’s about how materials can create positive environmental impact. The fact that a carbon-capturing material was recognised at this level tells me the industry is evolving from “recycled” to “regenerative”.

QCEG : How did the audience and industry professionals respond at the show floor when Carbonite™ was unveiled globally at SILMO Paris 2025?

MARCOS BULACIO : The response was overwhelming. People were astonished that a frame made from ocean waste could feel so premium and durable. Many described it as the “Tesla moment” for materials — something that shifts expectations overnight. Designers were excited about its aesthetic possibilities, and manufacturers were intrigued by its scalability and cost efficiency. It was more than a launch — it was a shift in mindset.

QCEG : How do you feel this recognition will influence your momentum going forward?

MARCOS BULACIO : Recognition from SILMO gives us tremendous momentum. It amplifies our credibility and opens doors for collaboration with global eyewear brands. But more importantly, it accelerates the transition from R&D to real-world adoption. The more brands use our materials, the faster we can clean rivers, reduce emissions, and demonstrate that sustainability and profitability can grow together.

QCEG : With Carbonite™ competing alongside global innovation heavyweights (brands from Italy, Denmark, Canada, and more), what does this say about the place of sustainability in the high-end eyewear arena?

MARCOS BULACIO : It proves that sustainability has moved from a “nice to have” to a marker of true innovation. High-end consumers expect performance, craftsmanship, and responsibility. The future of luxury is about purpose. Materials like Carbonite™ show that a product can be premium because of its sustainability, not in spite of it.

QCEG : Sustainability often focuses on reduction, but Regenesis feels like regeneration — creating new life from what was once waste. Is that how you see your mission?

MARCOS BULACIO : Absolutely. “Regenesis” means rebirth. Our mission is not merely to minimise harm but to reverse it. We design systems that clean and regenerate the planet. Every frame we produce removes waste, captures carbon, and proves that industry can become a positive force for the environment.

QCEG : The idea of “capturing carbon” and embedding it in fashion is fascinating. Could this be the beginning of a new way for the fashion industry to combat climate change?

MARCOS BULACIO : Yes — and that’s our ultimate goal. Imagine if every handbag, shoe, or jacket could store carbon instead of emitting it. With the right materials, fashion could achieve that. Every product we create could actively participate in climate restoration.

QCEG Transparency is increasingly important to conscious consumers. How does Regenesis ensure traceability — and help people understand the true value behind each pair of glasses?

MARCOS BULACIO : Traceability is built into our DNA. Every Carbonite™ frame includes a digital passport documenting its origin, impact, and carbon-storage data. This allows consumers to trace their eyewear back to the waste it was made from and to see how their purchase contributes to a cleaner planet. It transforms transparency from a marketing claim into measurable proof.

QCEG : The eyewear industry blends science, style, and craftsmanship. How does Regenesis empower designers to think differently about the materials they work with?

MARCOS BULACIO : Designers are the storytellers of materials. By giving them access to Carbonite™, Oceantate™, and Aerolite™, we expand their creative vocabulary. These materials empower designers to imagine products that regenerate — not merely adorn — the world.

QCEG : Looking ahead, what gives you hope about the next generation of materials and their power to transform the way we design, produce, and live?

MARCOS BULACIO : What gives me hope is how quickly innovation is catching up with imagination. For the first time, we have the science, technology, and collective awareness to redesign the world around us. The next generation of materials won’t just replace what came before — they will redefine what’s possible. They will clean rivers, capture carbon, and restore ecosystems while still delivering beauty and performance.

I’m inspired by the next generation of designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs who no longer see sustainability as a constraint but as a canvas. When creativity aligns with responsibility, we unlock the power to build a future where every product contributes to the health of the planet. That is the kind of progress that gives me real hope.

“From the depths of the ocean to the elegance of a handcrafted frame, Regenesis represents a new era of possibility — where science meets soul, and where waste is reborn as beauty. Each creation carries a story of renewal and responsibility, proving that when innovation is guided by purpose, even the smallest detail can change the world. Thank you, Marcos, for this insightful exchange. Regenesis stands as a testament to how innovation, artistry, and purpose can converge to shape a more conscious era of luxury — one where design becomes a force for regeneration.”