Do Umbrellas Contain PFAS?
Some water-repellent textiles have historically relied on fluorinated chemistry, which means PFAS can be relevant when you're looking at umbrellas, rainwear and other waterproof or water-repellent products.
But waterproof doesn't automatically mean PFAS.
Alternative technologies exist, so it's worth looking beyond a broad claim like "waterproof" and asking what has actually been used to make a product water resistant.
For us, that means being clear about both the chemistry we specify and how we verify it.
How Do You Make a Waterproof Umbrella Without PFAS?
It starts with the canopy.
Original Duckhead umbrella canopies are made from woven 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, or rPET, derived from recycled plastic bottles.
From there, we use two layers of protection:
On the outside: a fluorine-free water-repellent finish helps rain bead and run off the canopy.
On the underside: an acrylic waterproof coating creates an additional barrier against rain.
Together, they create a canopy designed for rainy days without relying on a fluorinated water-repellent treatment.
You'll find this approach across our umbrella collection, from our signature Duck Umbrella to our pocket-sized Mini Umbrella.
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
And there's an important reason we say "not detected" rather than simply saying a laboratory test 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.
Why Test for Total Fluorine Too?
PFAS testing looks for specified compounds. Testing total fluorine provides an additional analytical check for fluorine within the material.
That gives us another layer of verification rather than relying solely on the formulation stated by a 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.
PFAS-Free Kids Umbrellas
Materials matter across our collection, but they become particularly important when we're designing products for children.
Our Duckling kids umbrellas use recycled canopy fabric and a PFAS-free waterproof treatment, alongside a wooden handle designed for little hands.
The Duckling has also undergone broader independent testing because children's products have additional product-safety requirements.
That applies across our kids range, from our colourful core Ducklings to limited-edition prints and collaborations.
Because puddle jumping should be the complicated part.
What Else Does Original Duckhead Test?
PFAS is only one part of product and material compliance.
Depending on the product and the market in which it's sold, independent testing may also cover areas including:
- Phthalates
- Cadmium
- Azo amines
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Nickel release
- Flammability
- Migration of specified elements
Testing requirements can also vary between markets. A test performed to support UK or EU requirements, for example, doesn't automatically replace testing required under US product-safety rules.
You can read more about how we approach this on our Materials, Testing & Standards page.
What Should You Look for When a Brand Says "PFAS-Free"?
"PFAS-free" is more 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?
Is it the coating, the fabric or the entire finished product?
What's being used instead?
A brand should ideally be able to explain the basic construction of its product rather than only telling you what isn't in it.
Has the material been independently tested?
Supplier declarations are useful, but independent testing can provide another level of verification.
Is the result being explained 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 Made From Recycled Materials?
Yes. Our canopy fabric is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester derived from recycled plastic bottles.
The rPET canopy fabric is sourced from a textile mill holding a current Global Recycled Standard Scope Certificate covering woven recycled-polyester fabrics.
Recycled materials are only one part of our approach, though.
We started Original Duckhead to challenge the idea of the umbrella as a throwaway object. That means thinking about materials, but also design, construction and creating something you'll actually want to carry for more than one rainy season.
You can read more about the materials behind our products and our wider approach on our Mission page.
Can an Umbrella Really 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. The Duckling has 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.
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
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.
