Do Umbrellas Contain PFAS?
Some water-repellent textiles have historically used fluorinated chemistry, which means PFAS can be relevant to umbrellas and other waterproof or water-repellent products.
But a waterproof umbrella doesn't have to rely on PFAS.
Alternative technologies exist, so it's worth looking beyond broad words such as "waterproof" and understanding how a product has actually been treated.
For us, that means being specific about both the chemistry we specify and how we verify it.
How Does Original Duckhead Waterproof Its Umbrellas Without PFAS?
It starts with the canopy.
Original Duckhead umbrella canopies are made from woven 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, also known as rPET, derived from recycled plastic bottles.
From there, we use two different layers of protection.
On the outside: a fluorine-free water-repellent finish helps rain bead and run off the fabric.
On the underside: an acrylic waterproof coating provides the waterproof barrier.
Together, they create a canopy designed to deal with rainy days without relying on a fluorinated water-repellent treatment.
You'll find our recycled canopies across the Original Duckhead umbrella collection.
Rain? Yes. Fluorinated water-repellent treatment? No.
Are Original Duckhead Umbrellas Independently Tested for PFAS?
Yes.
We don't want an important materials claim to rest solely on a specification sheet or supplier statement. That's why we've used Bureau Veritas, an independent testing and certification company, to analyse representative finished canopy fabrics.
PFAS testing of the relevant fabrics was carried out using EN 17681-1:2022.
In the fabrics tested:
- PFAS were not detected above the laboratory reporting limit of 0.01 mg/kg
- Total fluorine was not detected above the laboratory reporting limit of 20 mg/kg
There's an important reason we say "not detected" rather than simply saying laboratory testing found "zero PFAS".
Laboratory analysis has a defined reporting limit. "Not detected" means the substance being tested wasn't found at or above the level the laboratory method can reliably report.
It's a little less catchy. But it's a lot more accurate.
For us, that's more important than turning a technical result into a bigger claim than the evidence supports.
You can find more information about how we substantiate our material claims on our Materials, Testing & Standards page.
Why Test Total Fluorine as Well?
PFAS testing looks for specified compounds.
Testing total fluorine provides an additional analytical check for fluorine in the material.
That gives us another layer of verification rather than relying solely on the formulation stated by the material supplier.
It's part of a fairly simple principle we try to follow when talking about our products:
Specify. Document. And, where appropriate, independently test.
What Else Does Original Duckhead Test?
PFAS is only one part of product and material compliance.
Depending on the product and the market where it's sold, independent testing may also cover areas such as:
- Phthalates
- Cadmium
- Azo amines
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Nickel release
- Flammability
- Migration of specified elements
Our children's Duckling umbrellas, for example, have undergone broader independent testing because children's products have additional product-safety requirements.
Testing requirements also vary by market. A test performed to support UK or EU requirements doesn't automatically replace tests required under US product-safety rules.
You can read more about our approach to independent testing, product safety, materials and certifications on our Materials, Testing & Standards page.
What Should You Look for When a Brand Says "PFAS-Free"?
"PFAS-free" is most useful when you can understand what's sitting behind those two words.
If you're comparing PFAS-free umbrellas, rainwear or waterproof accessories, there are a few questions worth asking.
What part of the product does the claim apply to?
A coating? A fabric? The whole finished product?
What chemistry is being used instead?
A brand should ideally be able to explain the basic construction of the product rather than simply saying what it doesn't contain.
Has the material been independently tested?
Supplier declarations are useful, but independent testing provides another level of verification.
Does the brand explain the result accurately?
"Not detected above the laboratory reporting limit" is different from claiming that laboratory testing can prove the absolute absence of every molecule.
Specificity matters. Even when it takes a few more words.
Are Original Duckhead Umbrellas GRS-Certified?
Our rPET canopy fabric is sourced from a textile mill holding a current Global Recycled Standard Scope Certificate covering woven recycled-polyester fabrics.
The distinction is important: the Scope Certificate applies to the textile mill supplying our rPET canopy fabric.
You can find more information about our recycled materials, certifications and supporting documentation on our Materials, Testing & Standards page.
Can an Umbrella Be Waterproof Without PFAS?
Yes.
PFAS aren't the only way to create water-repellent textiles.
Original Duckhead's canopy specification combines a fluorine-free water-repellent finish on the outer surface with an acrylic waterproof coating underneath.
And we're deliberately not calling that "chemical-free". Everything around us is chemistry.
Instead, we'd rather be clear about the materials and treatments we choose — and verify the claims that matter where we can.
After all, an umbrella should keep you dry.
You should be able to understand how it does it, too.
Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS-Free Umbrellas
Are Original Duckhead Umbrellas PFAS-Free?
Our current canopy specification uses a PFAS- and PFC-free waterproof treatment. Representative finished canopy fabrics have also undergone independent third-party laboratory testing, with PFAS not detected above the laboratory reporting limit.
Are Original Duckhead Kids Umbrellas PFAS-Free?
Yes. Our Duckling kids umbrellas use a PFAS-free waterproof treatment alongside recycled canopy fabric. Duckling umbrellas have also undergone broader independent testing applicable to children's products.
Are PFAS and PFC the Same Thing?
PFC has historically been used as a broad term around fluorinated chemistry, while PFAS is now the more commonly used term for the wider family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. We specify our current canopy treatment as both PFAS- and PFC-free.
Does PFAS-Free Mean an Umbrella Isn't Waterproof?
No. Original Duckhead uses a fluorine-free water-repellent finish on the outside of the canopy and an acrylic waterproof coating on the underside.
What Is an rPET Umbrella?
rPET is recycled polyester. Original Duckhead canopy fabric is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester derived from recycled plastic bottles.
Has Original Duckhead Independently Tested Its Umbrella Fabric?
Yes. Representative finished canopy fabrics have been independently tested by Bureau Veritas, including testing for PFAS and total fluorine.
Where Can I Find Original Duckhead's Materials and Testing Information?
You can learn more about our materials, independent laboratory testing, certifications and product standards on our Materials, Testing & Standards page.
Sources & Verification
- Bureau Veritas independent laboratory testing commissioned by Original Duckhead
- European Environment Agency: PFAS in textiles in Europe’s circular economy
- Current Global Recycled Standard Scope Certificate held by the textile mill supplying Original Duckhead's rPET canopy fabric
- Original Duckhead Materials, Testing & Standards
About the Author
Anna is E-Commerce Manager at Original Duckhead. Technical product and materials information in this article has been reviewed by Original Duckhead's Supply Chain team, which works directly with manufacturing partners and independent laboratories on product specifications, materials and compliance.
Last updated: September 2026
