Nimbus is an umbrella concept developed by Hannah Klein, Vishva Chauhan, Manasi Khatavkar and Annika Hogan as part of SCAD's Master of Arts in Design for Sustainability program. The design uses a fully inflatable structure made entirely from recyclable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), eliminating the metal ribs, mechanical joints and mixed-material construction found in conventional umbrellas. By relying on a single material throughout the product, the team aimed to simplify both manufacturing and end-of-life recycling while reducing common failure points associated with traditional umbrella frames.
The inflatable form replaces the rigid support structure and is designed to be lightweight, repairable and recyclable. Nimbus also incorporates a proposed buy-back program intended to support material recovery when the product reaches the end of its usable life. According to the designers, life cycle assessment data indicates a 99 percent lower environmental impact compared with a standard umbrella.
Image Credit: Hannah Klein, Vishva Chauhan, Manasi Khatavkar, and Annika Hogan
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Mono-material Accessories
- Single-material construction reduces assembly complexity and creates potential for easier recycling, lower waste, and more resilient consumer product lifecycles.
- Inflatable Product Structures
- Air-supported designs are emerging as lightweight alternatives to rigid frames, opening space for products with fewer breakable parts and simplified transport.
- Circular Buy-back Models
- End-of-life recovery programs add value to recyclable goods by linking product design, material reuse, and customer retention in a closed-loop system.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Umbrella Manufacturing
- Traditional rain protection is vulnerable to redesign through frame-free structures that reduce mechanical failure and differentiate everyday utility products.
- Sustainable Materials
- Recyclable TPU applications highlight opportunities for durable, flexible materials to replace mixed-material assemblies in high-volume consumer goods.
- Outdoor Accessories
- Portable weather gear can be reshaped by repairable, lightweight, and recyclable formats that align performance needs with sustainability expectations.
