We use RPET Pongee fabric for a number of our umbrellas, and we keep stock in the UK of ready made umbrellas ready for print.
We use RPET material for both Stock Fabric but also as a base for digital and Dye Sublimation printing. So if you need a Pantone matched Umbrella, we can offer this in the RPET ECO fabric as a option.
RPET pongee is a type of fabric made from Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET) fibers. Pongee is a type of plain woven fabric, traditionally made from silk, but it can also be made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, and in this case, from recycled polyester (RPET).
Characteristics of RPET Pongee:
Softness and Smooth Texture: Pongee fabric is known for its smooth texture and soft feel, making it comfortable and pleasant to touch.
Lightweight and Durable: Despite being lightweight, RPET pongee is durable and strong, making it suitable for various applications.
Water-Repellent: Pongee fabric can be treated to be water-repellent, which is essential for items like umbrella canopies.
Windproof: The tight weave of pongee fabric provides good wind resistance, adding to its suitability for outdoor use.
Eco-Friendly: Being made from recycled materials, RPET pongee contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste and the need for virgin polyester.
Using RPET Pongee for Umbrella Canopies:
RPET pongee is particularly well-suited for umbrella canopies due to its combination of practical and environmental benefits. Here’s how it can be utilized:
Manufacturing Process:
Recycling: Used PET bottles and containers are collected, cleaned, and processed into RPET fibers.
Weaving: These fibers are then woven into pongee fabric using a plain weave technique.
Benefits for Umbrella Canopies:
Water Resistance: RPET pongee can be treated to repel water, ensuring the umbrella provides effective protection against rain.
Durability: The fabric’s strength and resistance to wear and tear make it ideal for the frequent opening and closing of umbrellas.
Wind Resistance: The tight weave of pongee fabric helps it withstand strong winds without easily tearing.
Lightweight: The lightweight nature of the fabric makes the umbrella easy to carry and use.
Environmental Impact:
Sustainability: Using RPET pongee helps reduce plastic waste and promotes recycling, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: The production of RPET requires less energy compared to virgin polyester, leading to a lower carbon footprint.
Aesthetic and Customization:
Versatility: RPET pongee can be dyed in various colors and printed with different patterns, allowing for aesthetic customization of umbrella canopies.
Comfort: The soft and smooth texture of pongee fabric enhances the user experience, making the umbrellas comfortable to use.
By choosing RPET pongee for umbrella canopies, we can create high-quality, durable, and eco-friendly products that appeal to environmentally conscious Clients.
Great thing as well is once the umbrella has come to end of its life the canopy can be recylced and made into another RPET Product such as another umbrella, clothing or fabric bag.
