Have you ever considered the environmental cost of your umbrella?

Millions of umbrellas end up in landfills every year. In Europe alone, a staggering €800 million worth are purchased annually, and the average person loses as many as 64 in their lifetime.

Most umbrellas are made from polyester or nylon, plastics that can take hundreds of years to decompose, and because they’re made of so many different parts, umbrellas are notoriously difficult to recycle.

But there’s hope! Here are 5 companies transforming the humble umbrella from a disposable item into a treasured (and eco-friendly) fashion accessory.

Anatole

Parisian brand Anatole is on a mission to fight overconsumption. The company was born when the founder was a student in Bristol, where it rained ’almost every day’. During this time, he realised that as essential as an umbrella is, they’re often unfashionable and detract from an outfit. He created Anatole to combine sustainability and style. Their umbrellas are made from 100% recycled materials (mainly plastic bottles), and prices start at €35.

Shop Anatole here.

Original Duckhead

Launched in 2012, the UK-based business Original Duckhead celebrates a love of the great outdoors. Their umbrellas are handmade from 100% recycled materials and built to last, which is why they come with a two-year warranty. So far, they have repurposed over 3 million plastic bottles and are committed to recycling over 10 million plastic bottles by 2030. They also donate 1% of their profits to social and environmental charities. Prices start at £36.

Shop Original Duckhead here.

Grech & Co

Danish company Grech & Co. is a Nordic-Californian lifestyle brand that focuses on ’eco-conscious production and sustainable materials’. In addition to sunglasses, footwear, and clothing, they offer umbrellas made from recycled PET plastic. They have a fully Global Recycled Standard (GRS) compliant production process, and prices start at €28.

Read more 13 unforgettable vegan gifts: Stylish & sustainable ideas

Shop Grech & Co here.

ROKA

ROKA

London-based B-Corp ROKA, renowned for quality bags and backpacks, has expanded its range to include umbrellas. Since 2020, the company has incorporated recycled materials into their products, using unused garments, repurposed material, and offcuts to create nylon umbrellas. ROKA is a fully vegan company, and uses biodegradable packaging. Prices start at £24.99.
 

Shop ROKA here.

Studio Wetter

Studio Wetter is dedicated to ’sustainability, durability, and timeless design’. Since winning the Berlin Startup Scholarship in 2019, the company has been showing the world that being eco-friendly is cool. Their umbrellas are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, using 60% less energy and 70% less water than polyester. Their packaging is fully biodegradable, and the production line is climate-neutral, with any unavoidable CO2 emissions offset through environmental projects. Prices start at €79.90.

Shop Studio Wetter here.

Now that you know rainy weather can be considered sustainable and stylish, how about investing in your new umbrella?

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out the best vegan afternoon teas in London. Perhaps take a look at why I became vegan: 30 reasons from 30 people across Europe. Or explore the importance and benefits of a digital detox and how veganism plays into it.