Are balloons really biodegradable?

Are balloons really biodegradable? You may have heard people claim that balloons can have a serious negative impact on the planet, while others argue that these natural products pose no threat to the environment.

So who is right?

Balloons are a birthday must-have

Balloons are practically synonymous with birthday parties. Have you ever seen a child not smile when they get a balloon?

These rubber globes have universal appeal and offer great impact at an affordable price. It's no wonder that balloons have seen a resurgence in popularity in the party world over the past decade.

However, there are growing concerns about the safety and sustainability of these children's staples.

Are biodegradable balloons safe for the environment? 

100% latex balloons are made from natural rubber, which is an excellent renewable resource when sustainably harvested.

These high quality balloons are indeed biodegradable and much less harmful to the environment than their mixed material counterparts.

Although technically "natural," it still takes six months for latex to decompose naturally in a compost bin. However, when thrown into a landfill, it will remain intact for decades.

Because the waste is so tightly packed and immediately covered with new waste, landfills don't have enough water and sunlight filtration to allow the waste to actually decompose.

As a result, even paper, which breaks down easily in the soil, takes decades or more to end up in a landfill. That's why it's so important to recycle everything possible!

What is latex? 

Latex is an elastic material made from rubber, made from the rubber tree usually found in Malaysia. These latex balloons are versatile. They can be made in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. They can also be inflated with regular air and helium.

When they are filled with helium, the gas causes the balloon to float and rise to the top, while those filled with air do not. While these balloons are great for any party or event, people with known allergies to latex should avoid them.

Did you know?

⁂ The natural product used to make balloons is derived from the sap of the rubber tree.

⁂ Rubber trees fight greenhouse gases and slow global warming. Latex harvesting helps prevent deforestation.

⁂ Our biodegradable balloons decompose at the same rate as oak leaves.

⁂ Reuse and recycle any plastic and paper products as much as possible in our daily operations.

Are aluminum foil balloons environmentally friendly? 

Foil balloons, also known as "mylar" balloons are made of this metal and plastic, and unfortunately, they are not biodegradable. However, this does not mean that you should never use them.

If you release the air/helium, foil balloons can be recycled at the end of the event. It's easy to throw them away, but with a little effort, they can be reused!

Alphabet Mylar is my favorite. Simply insert the same inflatable straw and use it to push the air out of the balloon.

Once it's empty, you can fold and store it for later use. Or, if you have the space, just hang the balloon letters up until you need it next time.

How about a balloon release?

OK. So we have some options on what to do with our balloons. But what happens when we release them into the air during a celebration, memorial or ceremony?

Balloons released into the atmosphere eventually explode and end up on the earth below, where they should happily disintegrate, right?

Unfortunately, balloon fragments are scattered on the ground as tantalizing wildlife snacks. Hundreds of thousands of animals die each year from balloon fragments in their stomachs.

While I do not encourage balloon releases, there are still occasions that call for some form of balloon release, such as graduations, memorials and Angel Day celebrations. So, please combine some eco-friendly alternatives for your balloon release.

More about us.

For the eco-friendly lover in everyone, we have something you're sure to love! Our latex balloons are made from natural latex products derived from trees and are therefore very eco-friendly. These brightly colored biodegradable latex balloons are outstanding items that will light up every event and make your occasion glamorous in every way. We carefully source balloons of all shapes and sizes that are especially suitable for all your outdoor events and indoor activities. Our balloon experts are imaginative and creative. They can recreate your venue just the way you want it for the perfect birthday, graduation or bachelorette theme. Visit our balloon chart to pick from our available colors. Our biodegradable balloons are also the perfect balloons for all your balloon drop events and those fantastic balloon releases, as these latex products are approved to be safe for the environment. For inspiration on how to incorporate latex balloons into your event, you can contact our team for more information.