With the premier of James Cameron’s 3D film Avatar, the production of 3D films has increased rapidly. This has led to an increase in the associated 3D glasses which are essential for enjoying this new wave of films. The issue as to what happens with the glasses once the credits have finished rolling may become problematic and needs to be addressed. Figures show that when Alice in Wonderland was released in cinemas over 10 million pairs of glasses were distributed worldwide [1]. A similar number was produced earlier in relation to Avatar, and by Easter 2010 it was estimated that 42.1 million pairs of glasses had been distributed worldwide. If these glasses had been laid end-to-end, they would have formed a line 3,897 miles long.
Cineworld, which operates over 75 cinemas across the United Kingdom, has admitted that the success of 3D has led to a problem of disposal of the amount of glasses. Odeon cinemas have instated plans to give customers who re-use their glasses a type of discount. Meanwhile, Vue Cinemas, has introduced large recycling bins in its Cinemas, where glasses are taken to be cleaned and repackaged, while damaged ones are recycled. Imax, the Canadian high-definition cinema corporation has claimed that their glasses can be washed up to 500 times. While it should be seen as a positive step that cinemas across provide recycling facilities for their glasses, further investigation shows that glasses are in fact only used three to four times. The majority of the glasses are damaged and sent off to be turned into plastic pellets [2].
Traditionally, 3D glasses are made from fossil fuel-based plastics and are non biodegradable, which means that if sent to landfill it will take 450-500 years before they degrade [3]. Furthermore, CO2 emissions for the production of the 10 million plastic glasses associated with films like Alice in Wonderland is equivalent to emissions generated by burning 50,000 gallons of gasoline or 917 barrels of oil [4].
There is no reason why the 3D experience should not and could not be more eco-friendly. One company named Cereplast has found an answer to keeping waste low by creating the world’s first biodegradable and compostable 3D glasses. The glasses are made with plant-based plastics and Ingeo® Poly-lactic acid, also known as PLA plastic. If discarded at a compost site they will degrade fully in the span of 6 months, leaving no chemical residues or toxicity in the soil. In fact it has been estimated that 10 million pairs of glasses made from Ceresplast would be the equivalent of reducing CO2 emissions associated with the production of 3D glasses by 728 metric tonnes of CO2 [5].
In the creation of the product, Ceresplast has teamed up with a company called Oculus3D which makes 3D film projection technology. Marty Shindler, co-founder and CEO of Las Vegas-based Oculus3 has said in a statement that: “By using Cereplast’s resins in our 3D biodegradable and compostable glasses we can now help the entertainment industry reduce its carbon footprint and provide movie theatres with smarter choices for both affordable 3D systems and compatible 3D eyewear.” [6]. There is therefore little excuse for cinemas not to invest in these glasses as both Hollywood and the 3D projection technology industries have started collaborating in making the film industry more green.
In conclusion, issues around 3D glasses have shown that the glasses are dirty in production, the effects and efficiency of recycling programmes at cinemas are deceiving to the consumer and cinemas, however, naturally degradable glasses now do exist. Enjoy the film.
[1] http://www.enviro-live.com/news/science-technology/how-environmentally-friendly-are-3d-glasses-.html
[2] http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/10/3d-glasses
[3] http://indiefilm3d.com/stereoscopic-3d-glasses-can-and-should-be-eco-friendly
[4] http://www.ecorazzi.com/2010/03/25/biodegradablecompostable-3d-glasses-to-hit-theaters-this-summer/
[5] http://www.oculus3d.com/Eco%20Friendly%20Eyewear.pdf
