MAZZUCCHELLI 1849: a journey in colour, with Peclers Paris
- By Clodagh Norton
Italian acetate producer, Mazzucchelli 1849 has joined forces with Peclers Paris to develop four colour palettes for 2027. Elena Orsi Mazzucchelli spoke to 20/20 Europe ahead of their launch at Mido this month.
Q: Colour is the main topic of this issue. Can you tell us how you perceive the colour palettes in eyewear ahead (2027) and what the main influences are? Has this research into colour directions uncovered some key indications for the longer-term, beyond 2026? And does it show in your view a new understanding of colour in eyewear and how colourful design is much more widely appreciated than say 10 years ago?
A: Colour is one of the elements that defines us the most. It is the first tool through which we learn to read the world when we are children and it keeps accompanying us throughout our lives in a natural, almost instinctive way. It is an outstanding interpreter of fashion, it distinguishes historical periods, enhances the distinctive features that characterize a person, underlines our mood and improves the perception of a space. Colour is never just an aesthetic choice: it is a universal language. Like any language, colour reinforces the ideas we want to express through unlimited shades and multiple lives. It is at the same time a witness of the present and a precious guardian of the past, capable of telling stories, evoking memories and anticipating new directions. Every era has its own colours, every brand its codes, every person their own way of interpreting them. At Mazzucchelli 1849, we take the study of colour study seriously. Behind every shade lies deep work made of research, sensitivity and material knowledge. It is the result of people able to interpret trends and translate them into the world of eyewear, fully enhancing the potential of the material to meet and anticipate market needs. This is how colour is born: from the meeting of creativity, technique and vision.
A: Today our catalogue includes more than 300 monocolours, an extensive and constantly evolving palette. Beside the development of new shades, we carry out a fundamental customization process, creating colours based on our customers’ requirements. In the last years, demand for monocolours has grown, to the point of becoming a cornerstone of our collections and of those of many brands. We can say they are among the most popular products, able to adapt to different identities. Preferences change over time with fashion trends and brand positioning, but one thing remains certain: core colours are appreciated in a “cross-cutting” way. Attention to the hue of colour, the right tone, the balanced shade, is what conveys a sophisticated aesthetic, easy to use yet never predictable. Today, these details have become key elements in our customers’ colour choices.
A: The latest statistics on monocolours tell a clear story: transparent greys, after black and crystal of course, lead sales, expressed in infinite variations, from cooler to warmer undertones, from lighter intensities to deeper ones. Even a colour as basic as grey, with the right shade, can meet different needs, adapting to fashion while maintaining its classic nature. They are followed by blues, greens and pinks, transparent as well, colours capable of combining personality and versatility, once again confirming how powerful, silent and indispensable colour is. In a market that has always seen classics such as black and Havana maintain their central role, these are joined by shades that speak of technology and nature, of presence and memory, of style and function, all chosen to accompany those who wear glasses on a journey of individual expression and shared aesthetics. For us at Mazzucchelli 1849, it is fascinating to see how these trends are reflected in our customers’ desires and in the constant dialogue with designers and brands: a journey into colour that never ends and becomes a permanent code of identity, emotion and vision. For the launch of the 2027 monocolours that we will present at MIDO, we collaborated with Peclers Paris on the development of four different monocolour palettes. Because, ultimately, colour does not simply make itself seen: it speaks. And we continue to listen.
Timeless, bold, surprising, reassuring, a colour vibrates depending on the material, effect, or volume with which it is associated. Working on these new expressions for Mazzucchelli is a way to promote creativity and self-expression in the field of eyewear
Q: Mazzucchelli is collaborating closely with Peclers Paris. What brought this new relationship about?
A: Trend research has always been part of Mazzucchelli’s DNA. For decades, the company has studied the evolution of fashion, colour, materials and lifestyles, driven by the deep know-how of its product development team and the close collaboration with technical experts working directly in the factory. This constant dialogue between creative vision and industrial expertise gives Mazzucchelli a unique ability to interpret and anticipate future trends in eyewear. Starting from this long-standing expertise, Mazzucchelli wanted to find a clear and structured way to share this knowledge outside the company, making it accessible to customers, designers, brand creative teams and all professionals involved in the eyewear market. To do so, Mazzucchelli chose to collaborate with a partner recognized for its strong and established experience in creative strategy and trend forecasting: Peclers Paris. Peclers Paris was able not only to interpret Mazzucchelli’s heritage and technical expertise, but also to amplify it through a broader understanding of global cultural shifts, aesthetic movements and consumer expectations, resulting in the creation of a dedicated trend book specifically designed for the eyewear industry. The collaboration encouraged a rich exchange of ideas: workshops, creative discussion and conversations in fashion, colour and material design strengthened the role of Mazzucchelli as a reference point for innovation and trend anticipation in the eyewear industry.
Q: What have you created with Peclers, and how can it benefit your customers?
A: Together with Peclers Paris, Mazzucchelli has developed a dedicated trend book specifically designed for the eyewear industry. Rooted in Mazzucchelli’s long-standing internal trend research, this tool captures the company’s continuous research into fashion, design, art and socio-cultural trends, translating it into practical insights for eyewear professionals. As a matter of fact, the trend book offers customers a structured and inspiring overview of future directions in eyewear, including colour palettes, material inspirations, styles and design directions helping designers anticipate consumer expectations. The trend book reflects a shared vision of style and innovation, turning Mazzucchelli’s expertise into a practical resource that supports the evolution of eyewear design and concepts.
Q: Mazzucchelli is known for its innovative spirit. What were the key goals in 2025 and going forward this year, what are your hopes and aspirations?
A: Mazzucchelli 1849 has been pursuing a comprehensive sustainability path for years. In 2025, a major milestone was reached with the completion of a new factory dedicated to sustainable acetate block production. This highly automated facility, which will become fully operational in 2026, significantly reduces energy, water consumption and scraps, improving environmental impact while also enhancing workplace safety and efficiency. Through a balanced approach that integrates technology, efficiency, and long-term vision, the company aims to strengthen its role in the eyewear industry while remaining attentive to the evolving challenges and opportunities of a sustainable future.
Q: Comment on the adoption of sustainable materials and M49 bioplastic and Acetate Renew. What is Mazzucchelli doing at present to further its commitment to sustainability?
A: Mazzucchelli’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond material innovation. Since 2011, the company has developed M49, a biodegradable bioplastic, as an initial step towards eco-friendly eyewear materials. In 2020, the collaboration with Eastman on Carbon Renewal Technology (CRT) further strengthened this strategy, allowing advanced recycling and regeneration of plastic materials. Today, Mazzucchelli maintains a strong focus on sustainability, integrating eco-conscious practices across its materials, production processes and operations to minimize environmental impact while ensuring high-quality and safe products. The company ensures that all materials meet strict safety and regulatory standards, including REACH and Proposition 65, and has conducted biocompatibility tests in accordance with ISO 10993 to confirm their suitability for skin contact. These initiatives reflect Mazzucchelli’s approach to sustainability, combining environmental responsibility, material safety and high-quality production.
