A Florist's Guide to Eco-Friendly Brands of Floral Foam
As the floral industry shifts toward sustainability, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional floral foam are gaining popularity. Traditional floral foam, made from non-biodegradable, petroleum-based materials, poses significant environmental risks, including microplastic pollution and landfill waste. Fortunately, several brands now offer sustainable floral foam options that are biodegradable, compostable, and made from renewable resources. Here’s a guide to some of the leading eco-friendly brands and their innovative products:
1. Phoam Labs
Product: Phoam
Key Features:
- Made from industrial field corn, a renewable resource.
- Compostable within 25 days under industrial composting conditions.
- Reusable and rewettable, making it ideal for multiple arrangements.
- Free from harmful microplastics and toxic chemicals.
Best For: Florists seeking a high-performance, biodegradable foam that mimics traditional foam’s functionality without environmental harm.
Sustainability Impact: Phoam Labs’ foam is designed to break down faster than the flowers it supports, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
2. Agra-Wool
Product: Sideau®
Key Features:
- Made from basalt rock fibers and a plant-based binder (Ecose®).
- Biodegradable and reusable, with leftover pieces suitable for composting or plant propagation.
- Energy-efficient production process compared to traditional foam.
- Soft, odorless, and non-toxic.
Best For: Florists looking for a versatile, biodegradable foam alternative that works for fresh, dried, and silk arrangements.
Sustainability Impact: Sideau® is a mineral-based product that breaks down into rock dust, adding nutrients to soil without harming the environment.
3. OASIS®
Product: Biodegradable Floral Foam
Key Features:
- Improved biodegradability rate compared to traditional foam.
- Certified to degrade by up to 91% in three years under anaerobic conditions.
- Maintains flower hydration and longevity.
Best For: Florists transitioning to sustainable practices while maintaining the convenience of traditional foam.
Sustainability Impact: OASIS® focuses on reducing waste and improving biodegradability, though some products still contain plastic additives.
4. OshunPouch
Product: OshunPouch
Key Features:
- Made from plant-based PLA bioplastic and coconut coir.
- Certified home-compostable according to European standards.
- Expands when hydrated, providing a stable base for arrangements.
Best For: Florists creating small to medium arrangements with a focus on zero-waste practices.
Sustainability Impact: The OshunPouch supports a circular biological cycle, ensuring it can be safely composted or buried.
5. TerraBrick by Smithers-Oasis
Product: TerraBrick Floral Media
Key Features:
- Made from renewable, plant-based coir and a compostable binder.
- Certified for home and industrial composting.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
Best For: Florists seeking a compostable alternative for large-scale arrangements.
Sustainability Impact: While the media is compostable, the base tray must be recycled, limiting its full sustainability potential.
6. Bio-Oasis
Product: Bio-Oasis Floral Foam
Key Features:
- A sustainable version of traditional floral foam.
- Designed for eco-conscious florists.
- Biodegradable and compostable.
Best For: Florists looking for a direct replacement for traditional foam with improved environmental credentials.
Sustainability Impact: Bio-Oasis reduces reliance on petroleum-based materials, though it may still release microplastics if not disposed of properly.
7. Holly Pillow
Product: Holly Pillow
Key Features:
- Reusable and recyclable.
- Eliminates microplastics and harmful chemicals.
- Maintains water levels for extended periods.
Best For: Florists creating arrangements that require frequent rehydration or rearrangement.
Sustainability Impact: The Holly Pillow reduces waste by being reusable and recyclable, making it a long-term sustainable option.
8. Floral Soil Solutions
Product: Compostable Floral Foam
Key Features:
- Made from compostable fibers.
- Breaks down naturally in soil.
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
Best For: Florists designing naturalistic or rustic arrangements.
Sustainability Impact: This product decomposes naturally, leaving no harmful residues in the environment.
Tips for Transitioning to Eco-Friendly Floral Foam
1. Educate Clients: Share the benefits of sustainable floral foam with clients to encourage acceptance and support.
2. Experiment with Alternatives: Test different brands and products to find the best fit for your designs.
3. Reuse Materials: Many eco-friendly foams are reusable, reducing waste and costs over time.
4. Proper Disposal: Ensure compostable foams are disposed of in appropriate composting facilities to maximize their environmental benefits.
By adopting these eco-friendly floral foam alternatives, florists can reduce their environmental footprint while continuing to create stunning, long-lasting arrangements. Sustainability and creativity go hand in hand, and these innovative products make it easier than ever to design with the planet in mind.
