Nik Robinson, founder of Good Citizens Eyewear, turned his passion for creativity and sustainability into a business that repurposes single-use plastic bottles into stylish sunglasses. Despite thousands of failed attempts, his persistence led to the launch of Good Citizens Eyewear in 2020, winning prestigious design awards and gaining global recognition. In this interview, he shares insights on entrepreneurship, the power of vulnerability in business, and how neurodivergence has been his strength.
Topics covered:
- Environment
- Plastic waste repurposing
- Business vulnerability and transparency
About Nik Robinson:
Nik has had many careers; radio broadcaster, creative director, donut maker and lecturer. Nik is passionate about using his creative skills to solve problems and make a positive difference, so in 2018, he set up Good Citizens with his young kids to take on the world’s plastic issue. It would take 752 days and thousands of failed attempts to finally launch Good Citizens Eyewear in April 2020. Good Citizens has one mission – to untrash the planet™ by turning trash into good. Good Citizens turns single-use plastic bottles into sunglasses frames. The frames are 100% recycled and made in Australia. Within just a few months of launching, Good Citizens was awarded two prestigious 2020 Good Design Awards and The Design Files Sustainable Idea of 2020 plus Selfridges in London gave the brand an entire window. Nik has become a leader in working with recycled materials; designing and manufacturing in-demand, on-trend consumer products made from waste materials. He has spoken at the United Nations and he lectures at numerous Australian universities to inspire the next generation to think cleverly about using recycled materials.
Connect with Nik Robinson on LinkedIn here.