Good Citizens: How an eastern suburbs dad built a sunglasses brand out of recycled plastic bottles

An eastern suburbs dad wanted to build a sustainable fashion business his kids could be proud of. See why Bondi Lifesavers are among its biggest fans.

Good Citizens and Bondi Lifeguards collaboration: Good Citizens founder Nik Robinson (far left)

Nik Robinson was afraid of the dark as a kid. His children are afraid of a changing climate.

The entrepreneur and founder of green fashion business Good Citizens recalled his kids coming home from school and asking what he was doing to help.

“My kids were deeply affected by the plastic issue,” Mr Robinson said.

He said it’s a common concern raised among fellow parents, and the reason why the former advertising and media executive – who launched his first business at 19 – was spurred to make his next project about creating a positive environmental impact.

Four years ago he founded Good Citizens.

The company manufactures sunglasses out of single-use plastic bottles out of a Sydney factory. The sunnies are 100 per cent recycled and 100 per cent recyclable, with lenses by German manufacturer Carl Zeiss.

Good Citizens x Bondi Lifeguards collaboration. Left to right: Nik Robinson, Trent Falston, Charlie, Archie, Harrison Reid, Bruce Hopkins. Photo: supplied.

The Bondi Lifeguards are “the ultimate good citizens”, Robinson said.

Good Citizens products have featured in Selfridges London’s shop windows and now have been selected by ING Bank for its Good Finds online marketplace, which showcases ethical brands and delivers all profits back to the business.

ING spokeswoman Carly Yanco said the digital market was a program to introduce its customers to more purchasing options from Australian social enterprises.

“We wanted to collaborate with Good Citizens as we fell in love with their story – a family business that was born over a dinnertime discussion with their two young boys,” Ms Yanco said.

Bondi Lifeguard Trent Falston. Photo: supplied

Bondi Lifeguard Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins. Photo: supplied

Bondi Lifeguards Trent Falston, Harrison Reid and Bruce Hopkins have come aboard to promote the initiative that Mr Robinson hopes will help the business grow, with the sunnies available on Saturday for $139 each.

The Bondi Lifeguards are “the ultimate good citizens,” Robinson said.

“They’re a very fun set of guys. And they are truly passionate about keeping their corner of the world, which is the beach, clean.”

Robinson said he sees the company expanding to manufacture a range of products using the same ethical principles, but for now he’s proud of how the 752 days and 2500 failed attempts to create the perfect pair of shades led to success.

Good Citizens Bondi Lifeguards collaboration. Photo: supplied

Bondi lifeguard Harrison Reid

“I have set up businesses, but I’ve never manufactured a product,” Mr Robinson said.

What’s more, Robinson was determined to make the business a family affair, with young sons Harry and Archie testing early prototypes at the kitchen table after homeschooling during pandemic lockdowns.

He said the kids have a 25 per cent say in (almost) all business decisions and have helped choose collaborations to help raise awareness for the fledgling company.

“The kids had been along for the entire journey,” Mr Robinson said before admitting “ultimately, mum and dad can override them”.

Mr Robinson said while he has big plans for the business, he believed people are most inspired the story of local parents using their business acumen for good.

“We turn trash into good. That’s what Good Citizens is. It’s not an eyewear business. It’s a business that takes the undesirable trash of the world, and turns it into what we hope will be the most desirable products.”