Protect coral reefs in style: What’s behind PANGEA’s new sunglasses collection

For many, the ocean is tied to great memories, whether it's vacations, time with friends, or simply enjoying the view. Maybe you’ve considered ways to give back but weren’t sure how, or maybe you haven’t thought about it before. Either way, this is a great opportunity to support ocean conservation in a way that fits your lifestyle.

Recognizing that coral reefs are the foundation of marine life and therefore ocean conservation, PANGEA has made them a cornerstone of 1 of our impact lines, linking customer purchases with active ocean conservation efforts.

What is happening to coral reefs

Coral reefs, though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, are home to at least 25% of all marine species. They shelter countless species of fish, invertebrates, and marine plants, acting as natural barriers that protect coastal communities from powerful waves and storms. 

Unfortunately, corals are facing some of the biggest challenges of our times. Climate change has triggered widespread coral bleaching, due to diverse causes including:

👉 Ocean acidification, driven by increased CO2 absorption, weakens coral skeletons, making them more vulnerable to erosion and breakage.
👉 Pollution from land-based sources, including plastic waste and agricultural runoff, further degrades reef ecosystems.
👉 Overfishing and destructive fishing practices disrupt the delicate food web that sustains coral health.

Corals can still thrive 

Despite these threats, corals have an incredible ability to recover under the right conditions. Some coral species have shown resilience to higher temperatures, and active restoration efforts, like coral propagation and reef rehabilitation, are helping reefs adapt to changing conditions.

The good news is that restoration is possible, and we all have a role to play!

Look good, do good: What PANGEA’s Reef Impact Line is all about

At PANGEA we believe that every product should serve a purpose beyond function. In fact, our new sunglasses collection allows ocean lovers to turn their passion into action.

Our Reef Impact Line is a commitment to tackling some of the biggest threats to coral ecosystems while offering consumers stylish, durable sunglasses for their everyday and outdoor adventures. It’s a tangible way for consumers to be part of the movement toward ocean regeneration.

The Reef Impact Line funds: 

• Removing ghost-net – Discarded fishing nets, also known as ghost nets, drift through the ocean, trapping marine life and damaging reefs. PANGEA funds retrieval missions to eliminate these silent killers from marine habitats.

• Planting coral fragments – Coral reefs can recover when given the right conditions. We support coral propagation by planting fragments onto degraded reefs, helping them rebuild and thrive. 

• Restoring mangroves – Mangrove forests play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. They act as carbon sinks, filtering pollutants and stabilizing coastlines. PANEGA’s reef campaign includes planting mangrove trees to support biodiversity and combat ocean acidification..

PANGEA x Living Seas: A hands-on commitment

To make this impact possible, we collaborate with Living Seas, an Indonesian organization dedicated to marine conservation and reef restoration. Unlike many companies that simply donate to conservation causes, we take a hands-on approach. Our team has been on-site, witnessing firsthand the meticulous process of coral planting and the challenges involved in restoring damaged reefs.

Living Seas ensures that the funds from PANGEA’s reef campaign are directed toward high-impact conservation efforts. From carefully selecting coral species that have the best chance of survival to monitoring their growth over time, this partnership guarantees that every purchase leads to measurable results for ocean health.

How corals are planted and restored

Coral restoration is a painstaking process requiring precision and patience. Here’s how it works:

1. Selecting healthy coral fragments – Marine biologists identify strong, resilient coral fragments from existing reefs or nurseries.

2. Attaching corals to artificial infrastructures – The fragments are carefully secured to specially designed structures or stable reef surfaces, where they can grow.

3. Monitoring and maintenance – Coral restoration is not a one-time effort. Scientists and conservationists regularly check on the newly planted corals, ensuring they are thriving and adjusting their methods as needed.

4. Expanding the reef – As the corals mature, they begin to reproduce, naturally expanding the reef and supporting marine biodiversity.

This process, while labor-intensive, has proven successful in bringing damaged reefs back to life. With more support, projects like these can scale up, making an even bigger impact.

PANGEA’s Reef Impact Line

Our Reef Impact Line of sunglasses are engineered for adventure, built for durability, and designed to make a real difference. These sunglasses are crafted from post consumer recycled material, offering UV protection while minimizing environmental impact.

However, the big bonus is that every purchase directly funds conservation projects that restore our vital marine ecosystems through coral planting. 

PANGEA makes it easy for consumers to be part of the solution. Whether you're hitting the beach, exploring new destinations, or simply enjoying a sunny day, wearing PANGEA’s Reef Impact Line means you’re actively contributing to a healthier ocean and planet.

How to choose your impact

We have 4 new sunglasses collections, each supporting 3 different types of mpact lines (Reef, Ocean Gard, and Mangroove). 

We offer several different colors throughout our 3 impact lines, but here’s how you can support specifically our Reef Impact Line. 

Select either of these 3 colors when you want to purchase:

Get your favorite sunglasses, available in 4 collections supporting the Reef Impact Line: Beach, City, Travel 2.0, and Adventure. Just make sure you pick one of these 3 colors if you want your purchase to help restore corals.

💡 Bonus Tip: The Netflex Green Hard Case is a great way to keep your sunglasses scratch-free, and it matches perfectly with the City Sunglasses in Netflex Green!

Wear the change that you want to see.