Are balloons bad for the environment?
It’s time to shake of the bad eco reputation of the humble balloon. An innovative new balloon recycling partnership in Australia is helping to pave the way for balloon environmental sustainability.
Did you know that balloons are not inherently bad for the environment if managed responsibly? By supporting proper recycling initiatives, celebrations can be more sustainable. It’s totally possible to combine the joy of balloons while managing the potential environmental impact created by some of the types of balloons that would not normally break down well.
Want to see more than 77,000 balloons saved from landfills?
Saving the equivalent of 77,000 balloons from landfills is a big victory for the environment, and no mean feat given the poor environmental perceptions that often follow balloons. But the good news is that number of balloons have already been saved and it will only improve. How? A new partnering initiative between Balloon Elegance and Balloon Recycling Australia is rewriting the balloon’s poor environmental reputation to pave the way for a positive sustainable future for the whole party supplies industry.
The (positive) truth about Latex Balloons
“Latex balloons have always been a bio-degradable product”, explains Balloon Elegance founder Maureen Egan. “Latex balloons are made from the sap of rubber trees and will break down at the same rate as an oak leaf. But balloons are constantly blamed for killing bird and marine life and being a blight on our environment. This initiative will help reshape that negative portrayal of balloons”, she says.
Innovative Recycling Solutions
The partnership between Balloon Elegance and Balloon Recycling Australia stemmed from breakthrough recycling research by Balloon Recycling Australia in 2023 that developed a way to recycle all types of balloons and not just latex ones. This means that all types of balloons including the latex can now be recycled – foil and plastic bubble variations too.
234kg of Balloons Recycled and counting
Since the initiative began, 234 kilos of balloons have been sent to Balloon Recycling Australia, eliminating the waste going to landfill.
How Recycled Balloons are Used
Recycled balloons are now finding new life in various products:
- Teddy Bear Stuffing: Providing a soft, sustainable filling.
- Non-structural Concrete: Enhancing construction materials.
- Resin Flooring: Contributing to durable and attractive flooring solutions.
Exposing Greenwashing
Greenwashing is a deceptive practice where companies claim to be environmentally friendly without implementing sustainable practices. It involves misleading consumers into believing that a company’s products or practices are eco-friendly when they are not. Some companies may only store waste or send it overseas rather than recycling it properly, presenting themselves as eco-conscious without making genuine efforts to reduce their environmental impact.
Balloon Recycling Australia and Balloon Elegance are totally committed to true sustainability. Unlike other companies that engage in greenwashing, Balloon Recycling Australia actually processes and repurposes balloon waste into useful products. This transparency and dedication to real recycling efforts distinguish Balloon Elegance from competitors who may falsely advertise their environmental initiatives.
Sustainable Future for Balloons – No longer single use products
“I’m so proud to be part of this initiative”, says Maureen, “which over time will remove thousands of kilos of balloons from landfills. Instead of balloons being considered a single use item we can now proudly say we are fully sustainable by recycling them, as well as all our soft plastic, paper and cardboard waste, eliminating 95% of our business waste going to landfill.”
About the Author
Maureen Egan, the founder of Balloon Elegance, has dedicated over 16 years to transforming events across Sydney with beautiful balloon decorations. With a strong foundation in education and a passion for sustainable practices, Maureen has led Balloon Elegance to become a respected name in the balloon industry. She has served as President of the Balloon Artists and Suppliers Association of NSW and currently holds the presidency of the National Body and is a member of Industry Committees. Under her leadership, Balloon Elegance operates seven days a week, offering reliable, high-quality balloon décor services that are both beautiful and environmentally conscious.