Product Highlight: Center-Pole Fiberglass Umbrellas

The Case for Fiberglass 

The sustainability of fiberglass starts with its main ingredient which is glass.  Glass is made with silica from sand, an abundant, natural, non-depleting resource, making fiberglass a highly sustainable solution. Due to this composition, fiberglass is known for its very low embodied energy ─ the total energy required to produce a product from the raw materials stage through delivery of fiberglass products. Typically, fiberglass requires no added materials to reinforce it, thereby reducing the bulk and weight the product, helping cut transportation costs in the process. 

Fiberglass too, is designed, tested and built to last for decades. It can last 50 to 80 years, which essentially is a lifetime. As fiberglass products have extremely long life cycles, it means that there is less waste heading to landfills in the short term to medium term.  

Can fiberglass pultrusion be recycled? The short answer is yes.  Fiberglass recycling is a two-stage grinding process that results in a fine by-product that can be utilized as a filler in common building components such as concrete and asphalt or as a filler in a fiberglass pultruder’s own resin matrix as well. 

Furthermore, because fiberglass is a thermally-set, inert and petroleum-free material, it will not emit any volatile organic compounds over its entire lifespan, and even if placed in landfill, it will not leech chemicals into the ground or waterways. 

Fiberglass vs Wood Umbrellas 

Fiberglass cannot be compromised as easily as wood—it holds its shape perfectly. This is fairly significant considering that if wood is not properly treated, is susceptible to water, UV radiation, and weathering. Frames can warp and decay over time. This can lead to a multitude of problems, including structural integrity issues, which ultimately leads to more costs, not less. 

Although fiberglass is considered a relatively new material in umbrella frames, it has been used in other products for many years. One industry that has adopted fiberglass composites over wood much earlier is the marine industry. It is easy to find real life examples of fiberglass boats that remain seaworthy after 50 years and beyond with little to no degradation while being exposed to the corrosive marine environment. Fiberglass is a stable, inert material that is impervious to time, temperature and corrosive agents. Its use in the boating industry highlights its exceptional benefits in coastal applications. 

The current price points of fiberglass umbrellas may find some resistance despite its recognized benefits. At Suniture, we help businesses transition to fiberglass by offering our fiberglass collection at the same price point of the traditional hardwood ones.  Our Fiji Round Umbrellas as well as Finey Square Umbrellas are all made of fiberglass. Contact us through info@suniture.com for more information.

 

Project Highlight: Sala Bang Pa-In

Thailand’s homegrown design-led hospitality company, SALA Hospitality Group, has unveiled the latest addition to its curated collection of beachfront resorts and boutique hotels: Sala Bang Pa-In. A chic and stylish new riverside retreat that allows guests to escape the city, unwind in nature and learn about Thai history. With a fleet of boats awaiting to transport guests on immersive excursions, including complimentary transfers to and from the Summer Palace, every traveller can uncover the rich heritage of a charming yet relatively undiscovered part of the Kingdom.

The hotel houses just 24 deluxe rooms and pool villas, all of which reflect a modern minimalist design concept and cutting-edge technology, such as high-end sound systems with smartphone connectivity, LED TVs and Espresso machines in every villa. Each spa-inspired bathroom comprises a separate bathtub and rain shower, and all 10 villas open out onto expansive riverside terraces with daybeds and private pools. The top room category, the spectacular three-bedroom river view presidential pool villa, offers 484 square metres of indoor and alfresco living space, making it ideal for families and groups of friends.

Find our products at this lovely property found at 10 / 9-10-10 Moo 6 Bangkasun, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand.

If you're building a new hotel or resort, please do get in touch with our team through info@suniture.com.

Project Highlight: Cosi Krabi

COSI Krabi Ao Nang Beach is one of the newest lifestyle hotel setting the trend in Krabi. Part of the Centara Hotels and Resorts group, it oozes with modern style, simplicity and a perfect location right in the heart of the action, COSI Krabi serves as your travel base during your holiday.

This lifestyle hotel near Ao Nang Beach features bright rooms, a rooftop pool, free WI-FI, and refreshments. Check out the Suniture sunbuns in both the outdoor area and the rooms, each stylish and simple, designed for contemporary comforts. 

Working on a new project? Contact us through info@suniture.com and let us help you turn your vision into reality. 

In the Spotlight: Sauleda® Nautic and Solar Pro Fabrics

We are pleased to announce that we are now using Sauleda® fabrics for our awning and canopy projects. Offering excellent fade and weather resistance, Sauleda® fabrics are easy to work with and are guaranteed to withstand the harsh marine environment. Made in Spain, we have access to the 20 most popular colors that guarantee fast product delivery. 

Content: 100% solution dyed acrylic Width: 153 cm/60 inchWarranty: Up to 10 years

Download the e-brochure and technical date sheet here.

The 15-Point Umbrella User Guide

 Care for your umbrella so it can look after you.

1. Always place the umbrella on a flat and stable surface. If needed, please adjust the base height with the screws used for that purpose. 

 2. Always make sure the screw on the umbrella base is securely tightened, in order to avoid the umbrella swirling in the wind or even being removed from the base when wind is caught under the umbrella cover. The screw should be checked (re-tightened) on a regular base, as well as the metal tube itself. 

3. Umbrellas should not be used in conditions of heavy wind or other extreme weather conditions. In such case, the umbrellas should be closed, tied together with the string, or, under more extreme situations, removed from their base and stored away. 

4. People should not linger under an umbrella in heavy weather conditions, to prevent accidents and also so you can follow point 3. 

5. Do not bring in the proximity of halogen lighting or flames (such as candles, torches, etc), since this may cause fire. 

6. Do not hang any objects on the umbrella ribs, because it might bring the umbrella out of balance, causing it to fall over. 

7. Our wooden umbrellas are made from selected tropical hardwoods, which are great for outdoor use. Wood is however a natural product and should be treated on a regular basis to extend its life and performance. Depending on the environment and climate conditions, the wood should be oiled two or three times per year. Please remove (by using a fine sandpaper) remains of the original oil layer or other dirt residue before oiling. 

8. The pulley, screws and other moving parts should be inspected and tightened on a regular basis, so breakage and accidents can be avoided. 

9. The cord should also be inspected on a regular basis and should be stored in the small bag provided in order to keep it away from children and protect it better against weather conditions. 

10. If the cord starts showing any signs of breakage, please replace immediately. 

11. The finial (top part of the umbrella) should be kept tightened at all times. 

12. Our umbrellas covers are made from Sunbrella fabrics which have unparalleled all-weather performance. These fabrics however must be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis to keep those characteristics. For example, Sunbrella fabrics do not mold, but mold can grow on dirt that can accumulate on the umbrella cover if not cleaned properly and periodically. Proper cleaning will significantly extend the lifetime your product. Hosing the umbrella covers every now and then is an easy and actually efficient way of removing most of the dirt. A hard brush can be used for removing more persistent stains. Our office can provide a more detailed cleaning instructions if needed. 

13. When not used, umbrellas should be stored in a dry, clean and ventilated location. When the umbrellas will be stored for a longer period of time, the umbrella covers should be removed, cleaned and stored separately. Please make sure that also the small pockets are stored properly. Never store any dirty umbrella covers for longer time since mold can grow on the accumulated dirt, which will eventually have a negative impact on the fabric’s performance. 

14. Umbrella should be stacked in a horizontal way. Contact with walls, or friction between umbrella covers can cause damage to the fabric and the ribs of the frame. 

15. Protective covers are available (to be purchased separately) to properly protect umbrellas in storage.

Here’s How We’re Doing Our Bit for the Environment

Reducing waste has never been more important to the conservation of our world. This, along with other sustainability efforts, is top of mind at Suniture, where we are taking positive steps to reduce our carbon footprint as a commitment for a healthier planet. We support, promote and integrate sustainability in our current business model through:

a.     A focus on circular design principles and services including but not limited to designing new products to be repurposed, repaired, reused, resold or recycled. 

b. Investment in better technology like precision cutters that reduces wastes and a design program that maximizes the yield of fabrics. 

c.     Developing new innovative products and working with our key suppliers towards an ‘All-Recycled Collection’ which includes DuraOcean^®, patchwork covers, and anything else made with recycled materials. 

As you might know, this is our 18th year as a brand. And this we would like to celebrate with out first ever Sustainability Report. While short and concise, we believe it is a responsible move towards accountability with our work towards sustainability. Read it here. 

Sustainability Report 2020

                                 

A heartfelt thanks to all our clients and business partners for their dedication and trust through the years. We hope you all have a restful and mindful celebrations throughout this season. 

In the Spotlight: Agora Fabrics

All the benefits of 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabrics at 25%* savings with the new Agora® fabric collections. You read that right. This wonderful brand from Spain takes the cake.

UV-resistant, bleach-safe, and water resistant, Agora® fabrics are guaranteed not to fade, rot and is easy to clean.

Need more reasons to choose Agora® Fabrics? Download here.