What is Original Duckhead?
Original Duckhead is a London-based brand that’s all about creating thoughtful weather-wear — from umbrellas to waterproof reusables — for people who really care about the details. Founded back in 2012 by Morgan Cros, a Parisian native, the brand started as a clever fix to a huge problem in the umbrella world: over 1 billion umbrellas get tossed out every year globally. Crazy, right? Most of those aren’t recycled or even recyclable. Morgan wanted to change that by making umbrellas that are not just useful, but genuinely worth carrying, gifting, and keeping. Today, Original Duckhead makes rainwear for folks who refuse to let the weather decide their mood.
Main Benefits of Original Duckhead
Here’s why Original Duckhead stands out:
- Over 1 billion umbrellas discarded worldwide annually — and most aren’t recycled.
- Each umbrella is handmade and crafted to last beyond just one season.
- Canopy fabric made from rPET — that’s recycled plastic bottles, post-consumer waste.
- Designs feature bold color drops and limited editions that are instantly recognizable.
- Focus on sustainability with responsibly sourced materials and components.
Design with a Point of View
The design ethos at Original Duckhead starts right at the handle — iconic, purposeful, and instantly recognizable. Every umbrella is handmade with care, designed to be kept, loved, and collected. It’s not just about function; it’s about style and personality. Bold colors, limited editions — practical doesn’t have to mean boring. These umbrellas make a statement, and you’ll spot them from a mile away.
Made with Respect
Original Duckhead chooses materials thoughtfully, pushing for better as the brand grows. The canopy fabric is crafted from rPET, which comes from recycled plastic bottles — a smart way to give waste a second life. Components are responsibly sourced, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment. This isn’t just about making umbrellas; it’s about making a difference.
Product Range and Collections
The brand offers a variety of umbrellas and accessories to suit different tastes and needs. From the classic Duckhead umbrella to solid color options, prints, the Sorbet collection, cat prints, and kids’ umbrellas — there’s something for everyone. Plus, reusable tote bags in solid colors and prints, rainy day bundles, and even corporate gifting options. It’s all about combining style, function, and sustainability in one package.
Impact on Sustainability Goals
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Life on Land (SDG 15)
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
Why Original Duckhead is Worth Keeping
At its core, Original Duckhead challenges the throwaway culture that’s so common today. Since 2012, the brand has been crafting weather-wear that’s built to last, designed to be loved, and made with respect for the planet. It’s about making everyday essentials feel special — worth carrying, gifting, and yes, keeping. Because when practical meets thoughtful design and sustainability, the weather doesn’t have to dictate your day. It’s a fresh take on rainwear that’s as bold as it is responsible.
What Original Duckhead actually does
Original Duckhead is a London-based brand making umbrellas and rainwear from recycled plastic bottles, founded by Morgan in 2012 after noticing that most umbrellas aren’t built to survive real weather. The company’s stated goal is to challenge disposable consumer culture by making “umbrellas worth holding onto” rather than throwaway products.
Where the impact shows up
- Materials: umbrellas and rainwear built from repurposed post-consumer plastic bottles
- Durability by design: engineered to withstand real wind and rain rather than break after one storm, directly targeting the estimated 1 billion umbrellas discarded globally each year
- Giving: as a 1% for the Planet member, donates a share of annual sales to environmental nonprofits
Proof, not just claims
Why this belongs on a sustainability directory
Original Duckhead’s core product logic, replacing disposable umbrellas with durable ones made from recycled material, is a direct, measurable case of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): fewer bottles in landfill, fewer discarded umbrellas, and products designed for a longer usable life instead of one season.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Original Duckhead based, and who uses it?
Original Duckhead is based in London, United Kingdom, and sells direct-to-consumer worldwide, with over 500,000 customers and a 4.90/5 rating across 2,139 reviews.
Which SDG does Original Duckhead support, and how?
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), by manufacturing durable umbrellas and rainwear from recycled plastic bottles instead of the disposable umbrellas that dominate the market.
How is Original Duckhead verified as a sustainability project?
Original Duckhead is B Corp certified and a member of 1% for the Planet, donating a percentage of annual sales to environmental nonprofits.
Looking for similar sustainable products?
See Products projects on Keys for Tomorrow.
