The Mediterranean Sea faces a significant plastic pollution crisis, with an estimated 730 tonnes of plastic waste entering its waters every day, amounting to approximately 230,000 tonnes annually. Single-use plastics account for over 60% of the marine litter found on beaches, while the majority of the waste accumulates on the seafloor, primarily as microplastics embedded in deep-sea sediments. This plastic pollution has severe consequences, threatening native species, damaging ecosystems, and endangering human health. One potential solution to mitigate this issue lies in adopting circular economy models. These models aim to eliminate waste from production and consumption cycles while promoting more sustainable consumption patterns across society. 

Alarmed by the devastating plastic pollution choking the Mediterranean Sea, Xavi Bolos launched a project rooted in sustainable practices. He founded Terrae, creating high-quality, lightweight, eco-friendly and creatively designed sunglasses.  

For Xavi and his partner Iago, Terrae embodies “a fusion of coherence, sustainability, and geometric daring.” Beyond using recycled materials, the company takes a holistic approach to environmental responsibility. Solar panels power its operations, and its minimalist packaging is made from recycled, recyclable, and compostable materials. Additionally, Terrae ensures that all production waste is processed sustainably. 

To minimize the environmental impact of transportation, Xavi and Iago prioritize sourcing materials from local suppliers whenever possible, further reinforcing their commitment to reducing their ecological footprint. 

 “We avoid promotional labels and unnecessary extra packaging, keeping it simple and minimal. As for our suppliers, we strive to ensure they follow processes similar to ours and, whenever possible, are as local and close to us as possible to minimize transportation. All our suppliers are located no more than 30 km from us in Barcelona, except for our eyewear manufacturer in Italy. We couldn’t find manufacturers in Spain with the capacity or willingness to work on closed productions of external designs.” – explains Xavi his holistic approach to sustainability. It is this approach that he advises other green entrepreneurs to adhere to: “Be sincere in sustainability. Many products seem sustainable because, for example, they are made of wood, but the process of collecting this wood is often problematic.” 

For Terrae, sustainability is an ethical necessity rather than a marketing strategy. This philosophy drives their commitment to producing eco-friendly, high-quality sunglasses. “We don’t want to fall into the trap of greenwashing,” says Xavi.  

Their entrepreneurial journey remains fraught with challenges, lessons, deceptions, and unexpected laughs, as Xavi puts.

In February 2025, Terrae will celebrate its 5th anniversary—a remarkable milestone for the small, two-person enterprise that has navigated a competitive market while enduring an economic crisis and a pandemic. With limited initial funding, Xavi and Lago taught themselves most aspects of the business operations and continued to manage them independently. 

Reflecting on their journey, they emphasize the importance of modesty, recognizing limitations, and seeking advice from others. These lessons have been crucial to their success and are the main advice they offer to aspiring green entrepreneurs. 

Find more about Terrae products through their website, and follow them in LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.