Gilley, founded by Reid Jacoby and Trib Gosain, transforms the umbrella industry with durable, eco-friendly designs aimed at reducing waste.
For many individuals, umbrellas are considered inexpensive, easily replaceable accessories that are often lost or damaged. However, for Reid Jacoby and Trib Gosain, the founders of Gilley, this common item represented a significant opportunity for innovation in a market marred by waste. They recognized that the umbrella industry, typically dominated by low-quality, disposable products, needed a transformation, leading them to develop an umbrella focused on durability and sustainability.
Each year, over one billion umbrellas are discarded, contributing to environmental challenges as they fill landfills. In response, Jacoby and Gosain launched Gilley in 2023 with a straightforward mission: to create an umbrella that consumers would cherish and use long-term, akin to the popular reusable water bottle. Their vision resonated widely, culminating in one of the most successful campaigns in Kickstarter’s history. The company quickly gained traction, reaching customers in 46 countries within a few months, and was awarded the prestigious European Product Design Award by 2024, cementing its reputation as a leader in environmentally conscious consumer products.
Traditionally, umbrellas are seen as temporary items meant to be easily replaced when broken, lost, or worn out. Gilley’s approach aims to disrupt this perception by presenting an umbrella designed not only for longevity but also for personal attachment. Key innovations include an integrated, hard-shell watertight case, which allows users to store the umbrella immediately after use without worrying about wetting other belongings. This compact case also doubles as a secondary handle for improved portability, encouraging users to maintain possession of their umbrella as a long-term investment.
In stark contrast to the average umbrella, which typically lasts about six months, Gilley’s model is built for durability. Its frame, made of reinforced fiberglass and aluminum, can withstand winds up to 30 mph, significantly outperforming standard umbrellas that often buckle under pressure. Gilley’s philosophy emphasizes “sustainability through durability,” effectively reducing resource consumption and waste by minimizing the need for frequent replacements.
Moreover, the company incorporates high-quality, infinitely recyclable stainless steel instead of putting plastic components into their design, which tend to degrade over time. Gilley’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond product engineering; it is a certified carbon-neutral company that actively offsets emissions from its production and transportation processes. In addition, Gilley has introduced the Gilley Recycling Scheme, a system that enables customers to return old umbrellas for proper disassembly and recycling, ensuring that their products do not end up in landfills.
As Gilley strives for B Corporation certification, which emphasizes responsible business practices and environmental stewardship, it reinforces its pledge to sustainable practices in all aspects of its operations.
The success of Gilley underscores the potential for reimagining everyday items typically overlooked in terms of sustainability. The company seeks to reshape traditional views of convenience and disposability, responding to a growing consumer demand for durable and eco-friendly alternatives. In this evolving narrative, the umbrella, once a symbol of disposable culture, now stands as an emblem of innovation, responsible consumption, and a vision for a future where even the most mundane products are designed with environmental preservation in mind.
Source: Noah Wire Services
