Product Information

What are PFAS?

PFAS is a collective term for more than 10,000 chemical substances used, among other things, to make products water-, grease- and stain-repellent. They are highly persistent and can spread and accumulate in the environment. That is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals”.

Research has shown that certain PFAS can affect the immune system, cholesterol levels and foetal development, as well as increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Our understanding of the entire group of substances is still incomplete, but several PFAS are already restricted or banned in the EU.

PFAS have been used in many everyday products, including rainwear, umbrellas, non-stick cookware and cosmetics.

Why have we removed PFAS from our umbrellas?

We want to help reduce the use and spread of PFAS. That is why we have worked with our manufacturing partners to replace PFAS-based treatments with alternative water-repellent solutions.

Today, our entire umbrella range is made without intentionally added PFAS. It is a conscious decision we have put into practice without waiting for a general ban.

Do our umbrellas provide the same protection against rain?

Yes! Our umbrella fabrics are tested according to the internationally recognised AATCC 22 test method (Water Repellency: Spray Test), which measures the fabric’s water-repellent performance.

Our tests show that we can achieve the level of water repellency we require without PFAS-based treatments.

How are umbrellas made without intentionally added PFAS?

The umbrella fabric is treated with an alternative water-repellent treatment that replaces traditional PFAS-based treatments.

We set requirements for our manufacturing partners and use independent laboratories to test for selected chemical substances. PFAS screening is part of our chemical control programme, alongside risk assessments and testing based on applicable legal requirements and our own specifications.

Are there any disadvantages to PFAS-free treatments?

PFAS-free water-repellent treatments can present certain challenges during manufacturing:

• The fabric may be more sensitive to dirt and oil stains.

• Certain colours, particularly darker shades, can be more challenging to achieve with an even and durable finish.

This places greater demands on cleanliness, handling and quality control during production. Through careful inspections and testing, we work to ensure that our umbrellas meet our requirements for quality and water repellency.

Wh choose umbrellas without added PFAS?

PFAS are highly persistent substances that can remain in the environment for a very long time. They can spread through water, air and soil, and some can accumulate in living organisms.

Once PFAS have entered the environment, they are often difficult and costly to remove. That is why it is important to limit their use and release from the outset.

Health and Environment

Why are PFAS a problem for 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 environmental risks are associated with PFAS?

PFAS comprise thousands of different substances with varying properties. Many are highly persistent in the environment, and some can accumulate in organisms or be harmful to animals and ecosystems.

PFAS can also spread into groundwater and drinking water sources. Because these substances break down very slowly, contamination can remain for a long time.

Our understanding of all PFAS is still incomplete, but their persistence and the documented risks associated with certain substances are important reasons to limit their spread.

How can PFAS affect human health?

Research has shown that certain PFAS can have negative effects on human health. Associations have been identified with:

• An increased risk of certain types of cancer
• Effects on the immune system
• Elevated cholesterol levels in the blood
• Lower birth weight in newborn babies

Some PFAS can accumulate in the body and remain there for a long time. The level of health risk depends, among other factors, on the specific substance and the extent of exposure.

Testing and Chemical Control

How do we check for PFAS in our umbrellas?

We set clear chemical requirements for our manufacturing partners and use independent laboratories to test our products.

• PFAS screening through analysis of total organic fluorine is part of our chemical control programme.
• We carry out risk assessments and test for selected substances based on both legal requirements and our own specifications.
• We work with an external chemical expert who supports us with testing methods, interpretation of results and monitoring regulatory developments.
• If test results indicate a deviation from our requirements, we carry out further investigations and take appropriate action.

Documentation and relevant test results can be provided upon request.

Have we previously used PFAS-based treatments?

Yes. PFAS-based treatments have long been standard practice in umbrella manufacturing to make fabrics water-repellent, including in our previous products.

AD Company's umbrellas have always been covered by our chemical control programme, and our tests for selected regulated substances have consistently shown compliant results under the applicable requirements.

However, legislation does not always keep pace with scientific research. Just because a chemical is legally permitted does not necessarily mean it is harmless to people or the environment.

That is why we decided to act. For several years, we have worked with our manufacturing partners to replace PFAS-based treatments with alternative solutions.

Today, our entire umbrella range is made without intentionally added PFAS. We chose to make this change without waiting for a general ban.

Our Responsibility

What requirements do we set for our umbrellas?

We set high standards for quality, performance, chemical content and manufacturing conditions. Our umbrellas are made without intentionally added PFAS and feature canopy fabric made from 100% recycled polyester (rPET) sourced from post-consumer materials.

Guided by our chemical policy, our own specifications and independent laboratory testing, we follow up to verify that our products meet applicable chemical requirements. We also test quality and water repellency to check that our umbrellas perform as intended.

We work closely with our manufacturing partners, conduct regular factory visits and monitor working conditions through independent social compliance audits.

We also calculate our products’ carbon footprints in accordance with the GHG Protocol to understand their climate impact and provide a better basis for our material choices and our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.

For several years, we have also been mapping our supply chain, from our manufacturing partners back towards the origins of the raw materials. This gives us a better understanding of where materials come from and how our products are made.

The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces additional requirements for packaging materials, design and documentation. Our traceability work helps us collect and follow up on relevant information.

Although we can never provide absolute guarantees that every individual product is completely free from all unwanted chemical substances, we do everything in our power to minimise the risks. We achieve this through a systematic approach involving conscious material choices, clear requirements and careful follow-up – from raw materials and manufacturing to the finished product.

Together, we can make a difference. Even through a conscious choice of umbrella.