Plu Umbrellas

Every year, 1.1 billion umbrellas are discarded, creating a massive environmental burden due to their short lifespan and difficulty in recycling. Urban commuters and tourists frequently get caught in unexpected rain, leading to impulse purchases of low-quality umbrellas that are quickly lost or broken. Meanwhile, businesses struggle to capture consumer attention in an oversaturated advertising landscape, seeking innovative, sustainable marketing solutions that integrate seamlessly into daily life.

PLU Umbrellas offers a smart, shared umbrella service that provides free access to durable storm umbrellas through strategically placed dispensing machines in urban areas. Users receive a notification via existing weather apps (such as Buienalarm) when rain is expected, guiding them to the nearest umbrella station—eliminating the need for an extra app and ensuring maximum convenience. Our storm umbrellas are designed to last 5 to 10 years, drastically reducing waste compared to disposable alternatives. To ensure responsible use, a deposit system incentivizes returns, supporting a circular economy. For businesses, our umbrellas double as high-visibility advertising platforms, offering an innovative, sustainable way to reach consumers in real-life moments when they need shelter from the rain. With a Cost Per Mille (CPM) pricing model, we provide brands with an eco-conscious marketing solution while keeping the service free for users. By combining sustainability, convenience, and advertising, our solution transforms the way people experience urban rain protection while reducing waste and creating new marketing opportunities.

Our mission is to reduce environmental waste and enhance urban convenience by providing a free, shared storm umbrella service while creating a sustainable, high-impact advertising platform for businesses.