Product Information

What is PFAS?

PFAS is a large group of chemicals – over 10,000 different substances – used to make products water-, grease-, and dirt-repellent. They do not break down in nature and can accumulate in both animals and humans. Therefore, they are often called “forever chemicals.”
Research shows clear risks: some PFAS have been linked to cancer, effects on the immune system, altered cholesterol levels, and impacts on birth weight. Knowledge about the entire group is still incomplete, but the risks are serious enough for authorities to act.
PFAS are found in many everyday products – for example, rainwear, umbrellas, frying pans, and cosmetics.

Why have you switched to PFAS-free umbrellas?

We do not want to contribute to the spread of PFAS. That’s why we have chosen a completely different approach and use a new treatment that keeps you dry in the rain – but without PFAS, fluorine, PVC, or silicone. For you, this means a safer product; for us, it means living up to our promise to always stay one step ahead.

Do PFAS-free umbrellas protect just as well from rain?

Yes. Our umbrellas are tested according to international standards (AATCC 22 2017 Water Repellency Spray Test) and provide the same water repellency as traditional umbrellas.
The difference in test results is minimal (95/100 → approx. 90/100).
In short: you stay just as dry – while making a better choice for people and the planet.

How are the umbrellas made PFAS-free?

• The fabric is treated with an alternative water-repellent method that contains no fluorine, PFAS, PVC, or silicone.
• The fabric and components are regularly tested in certified laboratories to ensure they are PFAS-free and meet all applicable requirements.

What disadvantages exist with PFAS-free fabric?

• The fabric can be more sensitive to dirt and oil stains.
• Since PFAS-free water-repellent agents do not fix color as strongly as PFAS-based treatments, darker shades can sometimes be more challenging to dye.

This does not affect functionality – the umbrellas are just as durable and water-repellent as usual.

What are the benefits of going PFAS-free?

Production requires:

• Higher cleanliness in the production environment
• Extra cleaning of materials and machines
• More thorough quality controls

The result is umbrellas that not only protect you from rain – but also from unnecessary chemicals, with less impact on people and nature.

Health and Environment

Why is it serious that PFAS do not break down in the environment?

• Because PFAS do not degrade, they remain in nature for a very long time. They spread through water, soil, and air and can accumulate in both animals and humans.
• They build up over generations and can affect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health long after they’ve been released. That’s why they are often called “forever chemicals.”

What risks are associated with PFAS?

PFAS make up a large group of chemicals, and several substances have documented health risks. Some examples:

• Several thousand PFAS substances are already banned in the EU due to their risks.
• The entire PFAS group is considered potentially harmful, even though knowledge about certain substances is still limited.
• Research is ongoing, but exposure should be avoided.

What health effects can PFAS cause?

Studies have shown links between PFAS and:

• Cancer
• Impacts on the immune system
• Changes in cholesterol levels in the blood
• Effects on birth weight in newborns

PFAS bind to proteins in the body and accumulate in the liver and blood. Because they are difficult to break down, they can build up over time.

Testing and Certification

How do I know the umbrella is PFAS-free?

• Fabric and components are regularly tested in certified laboratories.
• Tests include fluorine screening, a method used to detect the presence of PFAS.
• We collaborate with an independent chemical consultant who ensures proper testing scope and helps interpret the results.
• Documentation and test reports are available upon request.

Have you previously sold umbrellas containing PFAS?

PFAS have long been a standard chemical in the production of all umbrella fabrics – including ours.
However, AD Company’s umbrellas have always complied with chemical regulations and have been tested to monitor levels and detect prohibited substances. Our tests have always shown approved results.

For the past two years, we have worked closely with our suppliers to phase out and replace all PFAS-treated materials.
Now, we have reached a milestone: our entire range is PFAS-free and made from R-PET Pongee – a recycled panel fabric that combines effective rain protection with a lower climate footprint and higher durability.

Our Promise

What can I expect from your umbrellas?

We strive to combine sustainability, safety, and high quality. By choosing our PFAS-free umbrellas, you make a conscious choice for both yourself and the environment.
In addition, the fabric is made from recycled material, known as R-PET, which provides a smaller climate footprint and contributes to a more sustainable life cycle.
We can never guarantee every single component or test each individual product, but we do everything in our power to ensure safe, sustainable umbrellas free from unwanted substances. We achieve this through thorough testing routines, expert knowledge, and a strong commitment to offering a smarter choice.

Thank you for joining us in saying no to harmful chemicals.

Together, we can show that even small choices – like choosing an umbrella – make a big difference.