Long-standing partner participates in the CG Lounge Talk

This time it wasn't cyber-Wear that issued the invitation, but the supplier. cyber-Wear's long-time partner and supplier FARE welcomed the whole film team to its new building in Remscheid.

In line with the local weather CEO Steven Baumgärtner and Volker Griesel, Managing Director of FARE, explored the topic of umbrellas. Many may think that umbrellas are boring, but this is far from being the case. cyber-Wear and FARE have been working together for a long time now, and have implemented a range of exciting projects. No two umbrellas are the same. So what can the umbrella do? What are its design possibilities? What technology goes into them?

FARE was founded in 1955 but didn't start with umbrellas at the time. At first they sold tools all around the world. Thanks to a chance encounter they then started to import parts for the European umbrella industry. In the 80s and 90s the company switched completely to promotional umbrellas.

A technically complex pocket umbrella has around 150 individual parts, which are assembled manually in the Far East. For many years FARE has had certified partners there to take care of the production. All partners are amfori BCSI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) certified. In this way FARE obliges its partners to comply with the amfori code of conduct and thus promotes responsible business operations and better working conditions. Thanks to its individual parts as well as the craftsmanship and the finishing options available, the umbrella can be designed with great individuality. 

FARE offers almost 100 different models in a variety of colours, which are available for immediately delivery ex stock. In addition, there are numerous custom-made umbrellas that go far beyond simply minor refinements and the implementation of a small logo. For example, it produces full-surface special designs featuring many individual details. The trend is very much towards individualisation, because at FARE these custom-made products currently account for around 40 per cent. Accordingly, customers need to plan for long delivery times of 14-16 weeks right from the start, and are happy to accept them. The length of the delivery times is due to the fact that the Far East does not refine standard goods, but instead manufactures and processes special parts and then finishes them. In addition, the ship needs approx. 30 days to reach a European seaport such as Hamburg. 

The FARE sample umbrella shows what finishes are possible. In connection with the finishing of the logo a variety of colours and colour combinations are possible. This goes not only for the outside of the umbrella, but also for the inside. Theoretically, each individual section of the umbrella can be individualised. For the promotional application various techniques are available, including transfer printing, screen printing for the cover and laser engraving and doming for the handle. Colormagic printing is an excellent way of giving the dreary grey of rainy days a cheerful side. As soon as the surface gets wet, the print becomes transparent and the underlying colour becomes visible. However, creativity is not limited to the sections of the umbrella - the handle, the fastening strap and the protective sleeves can also be designed in a variety of ways. 

The issue of sustainability is very important at FARE. In the ÖkoBrella programme, for example, FARE uses a bamboo handle and cover material made of recycled PET bottles. In addition, FARE is now saving an enormous amount of energy and, above all, water in the manufacture of its umbrellas. The classic dyeing process for woven fabrics requires large amounts of fresh water, chemicals and energy. The new FARE waterSAVE technology is a "dry" process and completely eliminates the energy-intensive cleaning and treatment of the water. FARE will completely change over to this process next year with some of its top sellers.

An absolute novelty is the enhancement of the shaft of the pocket umbrella. In the past this was not possible because the shaft is pulled apart when it is opened and closed, and would be scratched if painted in the classic way. By inserting patented parts into the shaft it can now also be individually coloured.

Another new feature - contrary to the trend that everything has to be light and small - is the FARE Steel. In this robust umbrella the handle, push button, top and frame are made of steel elements that give the umbrella a corresponding weight. For many customers this weight is important, because they like to "have something solid in their hand".

There are many fascinating possibilities that are worth looking into when it comes to umbrellas. Check out the CG Lounge Talk with Volker Griesel here: https://mycybergroup.com/de/news/cg-tv-1