Sustainability & biodegradable balloons
BIG PARTY.
REUSE.
REPEAT.
Our arches, backboards, sailboards and tower systems go back to work, event after event. Reusable kit is a big part of how we approach sustainability.
SAME KIT.NEXT PARTY.
THE PARTY ENDS.
THE KIT DOESN’T.
New occasion. New look. Same hardworking kit.
We reuse all our arch frames, backboards, sailboards and tower systems across events. The colours, balloons and styling change. The structures go back to work.
Reusing these systems keeps existing equipment in use and avoids replacing a whole display structure for every celebration. It is a practical part of our approach to sustainability.
- 01ARCH
FRAMES.Used again across events. - 02BACK
BOARDS.A backdrop for the next occasion. - 03SAIL
BOARDS.Restyled for another celebration. - 04TOWER
SYSTEMS.Back to work at the next event.
Big displays. Plenty of repeat performances. Tell us what you have planned.
Plan a display with reusable kitNATURAL LATEX.
DIFFERENT BY NATURE.
Natural latex can biodegrade. Conventional plastics persist and can fragment into microplastics. That’s a meaningful material difference.
Latex starts with sap from rubber trees — a renewable source. A conventional plastic drinks cup starts with fossil-based plastic.
How quickly a finished latex balloon breaks down depends on its formulation and the conditions.
LATEX BALLOON.
PLASTIC CUP.
They might share a party. They don’t share the same material.
| The difference | Latex balloon | Plastic drinks cup |
|---|---|---|
| Starting material | Natural rubber latex from rubber trees: a renewable source. | Conventional PET or PP plastic made from fossil-based, non-renewable resources. |
| Biodegradation | Natural latex can biodegrade. The finished balloon’s formulation and its surroundings affect how quickly. | Conventional PET and PP do not biodegrade under normal environmental conditions. They persist and can fragment into microplastics. |
DIFFERENCE.
Natural latex has a different origin and biodegradation behaviour from conventional plastic. That is the point of this comparison.
Qualatex has compared latex balloon breakdown with oak leaves, with the rate varying according to conditions. It is a comparison, rather than a fixed countdown.
Read the material notes and sources
This comparison covers natural rubber latex balloons and conventional fossil-based PET or PP cups. Foil balloons and compostable plastic cups are different products. Finished latex balloons contain additives, and this material comparison is not a whole-life environmental assessment.
A 2018 Pioneer/Qualatex statement reported latex balloons degrading faster than oak leaves in some tests and slower in others. Pioneer’s current guidance describes its natural rubber latex as biodegradable without a fixed timescale. A University of Tasmania study found no meaningful degradation in the balloons it tested over 16 weeks, illustrating why conditions and the finished product matter.
2018 Pioneer statement (archived copy) · Pioneer’s current guidance · University of Tasmania balloon study · UNEP on plastic fragmentation.
USE IT.
AGAIN.
A second party beats a first trip to the bin.
Some foil balloons can have another outing: carefully deflated, stored and reinflated where their valve and condition allow it. Ask us which are suitable. Foil balloons are not biodegradable.
Keep usable weights, stands and decorations for another occasion. For decorators, Bendypole is our reusable display kit: buy once, build again. Built for the next job, and the one after that.
Planning an installation? Ask us about air-filled designs and reusable supports that suit your space. We can help you plan the look around equipment that gets used again.
PARTY OVER.
CLEAR-UP ON.
Enjoy them. Keep them secured. Never release balloons outdoors, including biodegradable latex balloons.
We do not support, advertise or promote any form of balloon release. Read our balloon release policy, including why foil releases are a particular concern.
After the party, deflate and collect every balloon, ribbon and fragment. Keep loose balloons and pieces away from young children and pets.
Use a specialist recycling scheme that accepts your balloon type, or general waste following local guidance. Balloons do not belong in ordinary household recycling or home compost.
ASK US.
WE’RE ACTUAL
HUMANS.
Ask about materials, reuse or disposal for your chosen display. Call 01274 693092 or email the shop.
Further reading: Marine Conservation Society: balloon releases, Suffolk Recycling: balloon disposal and NABAS: balloon waste and recycling.