Companies are producing safer products in novelty motifs.

TOP TRENDS

• Increased safety: Makers continue efforts to ensure party spectacles are nontoxic. They aim to utilize only lead- and nickel-free materials for coating or electroplating in the months ahead so as not to harm the user’s skin. To avoid hurting the face and eyes, the frames have blunt corners and the lenses fastened firmly to the rim.
• PC to dominate output: Aside from utilizing innocuous materials, suppliers are turning to lightweight inputs for enhanced comfort. To this end, PC is forecast to replace ABS as the top choice for frames and lenses. It weighs 15 to 20 percent less than the latter plastic type.
• Novelty motifs still key: Unusual designs and shapes remain the strongest selling point of party spectacles. A variety of contours, including beer bottle, ice cream, sunflower and animal, is available. Embellishments such as imitation stones are also incorporated for added appeal.
• Price increase: Markups of about 10 percent are expected in coming months. Last year, labor outlay climbed 30 percent, while the yuan appreciated by more than 4 percent. Suppliers see this trend continuing throughout 2012.

Product gallery Dragon Vision Industrial Co. Ltd Model: DV_TDP10035 Description: Beer bottle motif; PC frame; acrylic lenses; CE, FDA

Linhai City Huatian Glasses Fty Model: PT077 Description: PC frame; PC, acrylic or PVC lenses; UV protection; foldable; 14.3x4x12.9cm extended; CE, FDA

Linhai Teli Glasses Co. Ltd Model: 9140-P Description: ABS frame; PPC coating on lenses; UV400 protection; <90ppm lead content

Ningbo Haishu Joy-R Import & Export Co. Ltd Model: JR-PG0029 Description: PC frame; acrylic lenses; UV400 protection; 15x16cm

Ninghai Hongrui Trade Co. Ltd Model: 3073 Description: Revolver gun motif; PC frame; acrylic lenses; 14.5x18.3x12cm; CE, FDA

Shenzhen Delight Optoelectronics Co. Ltd Model: 5200EG Description: Glow-in-the-dark; PP frame; no lenses; EN 71, ASTM, MSDS

Note: This article "Party spectacles with nontoxic, lightweight materials gain ground" was originally published by Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research.

All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed.

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