The difference between "100%" and "99.99%" UV protection for parasols: The manufacturing philosophy behind the numbers.

When choosing a parasol, you often see the terms "100% light-blocking" and "99.99% light-blocking." While it may seem like a mere 0.01% difference, this distinction actually deeply reflects the umbrella manufacturing process and company approach.

Three Reasons Behind the Numbers

There are three main reasons for the differing light-blocking rate labels.

The first is a genuine "difference in fabric quality." 100% light-blocking means no light passes through, while 99.99% refers to a state where a slight amount of light leaks through. Note that this is a test result for "fabric only" before assembly into a product.

The second is "company's expression stance." Even if the actual performance is 100%, some companies choose to state a more conservative "99.9%" or "99%" to account for any potential risks.

The third is "testing institution's policy." This is because some institutions, even if a measurement with testing equipment shows 100% performance, will only use the expression "99.99% or more" in their test result documents.

Our Commitment to a Mere 0.01% and Our Stance

At Amvel, we take a stance that addresses the first point: "genuine difference in quality."

There was a time when we planned to use extremely thin light-blocking fabric to make parasols as light as possible. The prototype development went smoothly, but when it came to mass production testing, the result was "99.99%." Numerically, it's a very slight difference. However, we abandoned production with that fabric and repurposed it for other projects. This is because our manufacturing stance is to produce mass-produced items with honest and accurate specifications.

The Comfort of Summer Brought by Reliable Light-Blocking

The benefits of a 100% light-blocking parasol are an overwhelming sense of security and a tangible coolness. By effectively blocking strong sunlight from above, the perceived temperature decreases, reducing fatigue during summer outings.

Understanding the reasons behind the numbers will help you develop the discerning eye to choose a reliable parasol that suits you. Incorporating a parasol with reliable light-blocking properties into your routine will surely make your summer travels more comfortable and stress-free.