Acetate vs TR90: Which Material Should Retailers Choose?

The Complete 2026 Guide for Optical Stores, Wholesalers & Eyewear Brands**

The global eyewear market continues to grow rapidly—driven by rising fashion demand, blue-light needs, and expanding optical retail across GCC, Europe, and Asia. As eyewear businesses scale, one question becomes increasingly important:

Which frame material should retailers choose: Acetate or TR90?

Both materials dominate today’s eyewear manufacturing market. They are stylish, durable, versatile—and widely used in premium sunglasses, optical frames, and private label eyewear. But each material offers unique benefits, weaknesses, and target customer segments.

Choosing the right material can influence:

• Your product quality

• Retail pricing

• Brand positioning

• Customer satisfaction

• Repeat sales

• Profit margins

With insights from D Marjan Opticals, a global eyewear manufacturer with 27+ years of production expertise, this guide breaks down everything retailers need to know to make the right choice.

** Understanding the Eyewear Material Market in 2026

Before comparing Acetate and TR90, it’s important to understand consumer expectations today.

In 2026, buyers want eyewear that is:

✔ Lightweight and comfortable
✔ Durable and long-lasting
✔ Stylish with unique colors
✔ Skin-friendly and hypoallergenic
✔ Affordable but premium-looking
✔ Suitable for everyday use

Retailers who offer the right mix of materials gain a strong competitive advantage—especially in high-demand retail hubs like Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.

Both Acetate and TR90 meet these needs—but in different ways. That’s why choosing based on your target customers is crucial.

** What Is Acetate?

The Premium, Fashion-Forward Eyewear Material**

Acetate—also known as cellulose acetate—is one of the most premium materials used in modern eyewear manufacturing. Made from natural sources like cotton and wood pulp, acetate frames are known for:

• Deep, rich colors

• High gloss finish

• Durability and strength

• Luxury aesthetics

This material is widely used in designer frames, high-volume retail stores, and boutique eyewear brands.

Key Features of Acetate:

✔ Premium Look & Feel

Acetate offers unmatched color richness and transparency, making frames look luxurious and fashion-forward.

✔ Strong & Durable

Its density allows long-term wear without losing shape.

✔ Hypoallergenic

Ideal for sensitive skin—no irritations or metal allergies.

✔ Flexible & Adjustable

Unlike injection plastics, acetate can be heat-adjusted for a tailored fit.

✔ Highly Customizable for Brands

Perfect for private label eyewear because it supports:

• Multicolor layering

• Tortoiseshell patterns

• Gradient effects

• Marble patterns

Common Uses of Acetate Frames

• Luxury sunglasses

• High-end optical frames

• Boutique brand collections

• Statement fashion designs

• Celebrity-inspired styles

Retail Target Audience for Acetate

Acetate is best for customers who want:

✨ Fashion
✨ Premium quality
✨ Heavier, solid-feel frames
✨ Unique and vibrant colors
✨ Branded/luxury appeal

This makes acetate the top choice for optical shops that want to upsell premium frames.

** What Is TR90?

The Lightweight, Flexible, Everyday Material**

TR90—also known as Grilamid TR90—is a Swiss-engineered thermoplastic known for its incredible flexibility and comfort. It dominates the sports eyewear and daily-wear market.

Key Features of TR90:

✔ Ultra-Lightweight

30–40% lighter than acetate, making it comfortable for all-day wear.

✔ Highly Flexible

The frames bend easily without breaking—great for kids and active users.

✔ Impact-Resistant

Perfect for outdoor and sports frames.

✔ Affordable Material

Allows retailers to maintain good margins while offering value-friendly pricing.

✔ Comfortable for Long Wear

Great for people who wear glasses for 8–12 hours a day.

Common Uses of TR90 Frames

• Sports sunglasses

• Kids’ frames

• Daily optical frames

• Budget-friendly collections

• Casual eyewear

Retail Target Audience for TR90

This material suits customers who want:

✔ Lightweight frames
✔ Simple everyday designs
✔ Long wear comfort
✔ Flexibility and durability
✔ Affordable pricing

TR90 is ideal for retailers focusing on practicality rather than luxury.

** Acetate vs TR90: Full Comparison Chart

** What Retailers Should Consider When Choosing Between Acetate and TR90

Before purchasing your next bulk order, ask yourself these questions:

A. Who is your target customer?

• Fashion-focused buyers → Choose Acetate

• Everyday wear and budget-conscious buyers → Choose TR90

• Kids, athletes, or active individuals → Choose TR90

B. What is your store’s price range?

• Premium boutique → Acetate

• Mass-market retail → TR90

C. What styles are trending?

In the GCC region, current trends show:

• Dubai & Riyadh shoppers → Prefer designer acetate looks

• Family/everyday buyers → Prefer lightweight TR90

• Tourists → Buy both, depending on pricing

D. Do you need custom branding?

Acetate supports unique customizations for private label brands.

** Manufacturing Insights: How D Marjan Opticals Produces Acetate & TR90 Frames

As a global eyewear manufacturer for the UAE and GCC market, D Marjan Opticals produces both acetate and TR90 frames with strict quality control.

Acetate Manufacturing at D Marjan Opticals

• CNC cutting for frame precision

• Hand-polishing for luxury gloss

• Layered color designs

• Durable hinges and reinforced temples

• Customized logo engraving or printing

TR90 Manufacturing at D Marjan Opticals

• High-precision injection molding

• Lightweight flexible construction

• Smooth matte/solid colors

• Impact-resistant designs

• Budget-friendly production

Retailers can choose:

🔹 Ready-stock collections
🔹 Custom branded designs
🔹 Low MOQs for startups
🔹 Bulk wholesale for distributors

** Pricing Considerations: Profit Margins for Retailers

Retailers must consider cost-to-profit margins.

Acetate Frames

• Higher base cost

• Higher retail markup (150–400%)

• Ideal for premium sales

TR90 Frames

• Lower cost

• Fast-selling in bulk

• Ideal for mid-range customers

Using both materials gives retailers excellent flexibility and increases sales diversity.

** Which Material Offers Better Long-Term Value?

The Retailer’s Verdict**

Acetate is the better choice if you want:

✔ Luxury customers
✔ Fashion-forward designs
✔ Premium private label collections

TR90 is the better choice if you want:

✔ Daily-wear buyers
✔ Lightweight comfort
✔ Children’s or sports collections
✔ High-volume sales

The winning strategy for 2026:
✔ Stock BOTH Acetate and TR90 to cover all customer segments.

This is why most successful optical stores in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Kuwait carry multiple material lines.

** Final Recommendation: What UAE & GCC Retailers Should Choose

The GCC region has diverse customer segments. Based on D Marjan Opticals’ sales insights:

Best-Selling Material in UAE 

• Acetate dominates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi malls, and premium retailers.

• TR90 dominates in family stores, community shops, and online platforms.

Retailers focusing on fashion should choose Acetate.
Retailers focusing on practicality and affordability should choose TR90.

** Partner With D Marjan Opticals for Premium Acetate & TR90 Collections

With over 27 years of manufacturing experience, D Marjan Opticals offers:

✔ Acetate & TR90 collections
✔ Custom branding (logo, packaging, engraving)
✔ Factory-direct prices
✔ Low MOQs for startups
✔ Bulk wholesale for retailers
✔ Worldwide delivery (UAE, GCC, Europe, Africa)
✔ Dubai office support & showroom

Their Shenzhen factory ensures precision manufacturing, while their Dubai headquarters provides fast B2B service for the region.

Final Thoughts: Acetate vs TR90 — Both Are Essential for a Successful Eyewear Business

The most successful eyewear retailers don’t choose one—they stock both.

Acetate brings premium aesthetics and high-end margins.
TR90 delivers comfort, value, and mass-market demand.

Together, they allow retailers to serve a wider audience, increase sales, and grow their brand.

If you’re building an eyewear line or stocking your store, choosing the right material is only the first step. Partnering with a trusted manufacturer like D Marjan Opticals ensures quality, consistency, and excellent support from factory to retail shelves.

Ready to Order Acetate or TR90 Frames?

📦 Wholesale, retail, and private label
📍 Dubai Office — Damac Executive Heights, Al Barsha TECOM
💬 DM us for catalogs, pricing, and samples
🌍 Worldwide delivery