Marcolin Extends Timberland Licence to 2031 and Renews Breast Cancer Research Commitment

Italian eyewear group locks in a long-running brand partnership and backs a second two-year research fellowship

Italian eyewear group Marcolin, part of VSP Vision, has had a busy start to October, extending its licensing agreement with Timberland for another five years and renewing its support for breast cancer research through Fondazione AIRC.

Timberland licence runs to 2031

Marcolin and TBL Licensing LLC announced on 12 October that they have extended the agreement covering the design, production and worldwide distribution of Timberland optical frames and sunglasses. The renewal runs for five years, through to 2031.

The partnership dates back to 2003, giving it more than two decades of history. In the announcement, the companies said the extension reflects mutual trust, shared vision and enduring commitment.

Marcolin said its Timberland collections are designed to reflect the outdoor brand's spirit of adventure, quality and innovation. The range features bold designs that blend the brand's heritage with contemporary cues and colour palettes, and many styles use bio-based materials, a detail likely to interest practices fielding patient questions about sustainable frames.

Timberland Eyewear is sold through select Timberland stores, independent retailers, e-commerce retailers and opticians worldwide. The announcement did not mention Australian availability specifically, and no financial terms were disclosed.

Timberland, founded in 1973 and part of VF Corporation, is headquartered in Stratham, New Hampshire, and serves customers in more than 100 countries. Marcolin, founded in 1961 in Italy's Veneto region and part of VSP Vision, distributes in more than 125 countries. Its portfolio spans house brands WEB Eyewear and ic! berlin alongside licences including TOM FORD, Guess, adidas, Max Mara, Zegna, Christian Louboutin and Skechers.

Second two-year partnership with AIRC

On 6 October, Marcolin announced it had renewed its partnership with Fondazione AIRC for Cancer Research for a further two years, following an initial two-year collaboration.

The company will continue funding a research fellowship supporting the training of a young researcher working on new knowledge and therapies in oncology, with a particular focus on breast cancer.

The funding will again be paired with an employee awareness program under the Pink Ribbon Campaign. Marcolin says it will share AIRC-developed content promoting healthy lifestyles, participation in recommended screening programs and awareness of early diagnosis.

A global Pink Walk is also running throughout October across Marcolin hubs. Participating locations include Longarone, Milan, Cologne, London, Paris and Barcelona in EMEA; New York, Mexico City and São Paulo in the US and Latin America; and Hong Kong and Shanghai in Asia-Pacific. No Australian site was listed.

Clara Magnanini, VP of Global Eyewear Communications & Sustainability at Marcolin and Marchon Eyewear, described the renewal as "the natural evolution" of a meaningful commitment, adding that a culture of prevention is both a value and a responsibility towards employees and their families.

Chiara Occulti, Chief Marketing & Fundraising Officer at Fondazione AIRC, said employee involvement makes research "a cause shared by the entire corporate community".