The Association

The European Sunglass Association was founded in 1994 by several companies in the industry to meet a latent demand, the creation of a European Association to federate the common interests of the different players in the European market. ESA is presided by Rod Lane, Managing Director of Fabris Lane Ltd. and managed by Petra Eckhardt-Köstler, a former Executive Manager in the european sunglass industry.

ESA is a non-profit organization that has the following objectives:

• Support the growth and development of the european sunglass business through relevant projects such as Market Research Studies, Sunglass Standards and Norms, Training & Education, Marketing & Communication. 
• To protect the European Sunglass Industry. ESA is the official body in the PPE Directive Expert Group.
• Active Involvement in topics of interest such as European and international standards for sunglasses.
• Assist Members and all interested groups with professionel and objective information on all sunglasses concerned matters.
• To protect the sunglass consumers through quality products.

ESA has set up several Working Committees:

In order to meet its objectives, the Association has created several committees: Membership, Statistics, Technical, Training & Education, UV-Protection, Fashion, Marketing, Public Relations.

The Committees are headed each by a Chairman. Each is responsible for gathering and studying information germane to their particular field and to develop relevant projects for ESA members and the the sunglass industry.