A "reusable" vinyl umbrella, the "Sustainbrella," made from recycled plastic.

CAETLA | SAETLA

Promoting Ethical Consumption for People and the Environment

Umbrella manufacturer SAETLA, intermediate distributor PALTAC, and material development startup TBM have jointly developed the "Sustainbrella," a non-disposable umbrella made from "CirculeX," a material incorporating over 50% recycled plastic. This new vinyl umbrella aims to change disposable mindsets, offering enhanced usability and safety to transform current consumption patterns. Sales began sequentially in late April 2022 at retail stores nationwide, including convenience stores, supermarkets, and drugstores.

Text by IGARASHI Riko

Changing the Status Quo of Approximately 100,000 Umbrellas Discarded Daily

Approximately 60 million umbrellas are discarded annually, with over 100,000 units per day. Conventional umbrellas, with their metal and plastic components attached by adhesives and wires, are difficult to disassemble and unsuitable for recycling, leading most to be landfilled. While inexpensive and easily obtainable, they are also prone to breakage. It is not uncommon to see vinyl umbrellas scattered after strong rains or typhoons have passed.

SAETLA, TBM, and PALTAC have collaborated to launch the "Sustainbrella," a non-disposable umbrella designed to establish a new standard for vinyl umbrellas.

The fabric and handle of the Sustainbrella are environmentally conscious, utilizing CirculeX, a recycled material made from over 50% domestic post-consumer plastic and other recycled sources.

The ribs are crafted from durable, flexible reinforced plastic, engineered to withstand strong winds without breaking. The entire umbrella—handle, shaft, ribs, and tip—is made of plastic, eliminating rust concerns and ensuring a safe design that won't cause injury even if it accidentally strikes someone.

Designed by Fumie Shibata, representative of Design Studio S, the umbrella features a gender-neutral, simple, and long-lasting design that is easy for anyone to use.

Furthermore, this product's design complies with the "Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics (New Plastics Act)," enacted on April 1, 2022. It contributes to SDGs goals, specifically "Responsible Consumption and Production" and "Climate Action."