Businesses in all industries are prioritising sustainability, and the world of floristry supplies is no exception. The floristry industry is confronted with a serious waste problem, with the floriculture sector producing as much as 100,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year. And it is not hard to see how! Unrecyclable cellophane wrapping, floral foam and plastic pots are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the unsustainable supplies available to florists.
Changing our ways
The concept of sustainable floristry emerged several years ago when awareness arose around the environmental impact of careless floriculture. The cut-flower industry is renowned for being harmful to the planet, requiring incomprehensible volumes of water and often using polluting pesticides, not to mention the refrigeration and long-haul transport needed to ship flowers around the world. But in 2022, florists are becoming more conscious of where they source their flowers, and many have joined the slow flower movement to only source flowers locally that are in season.
But what about floristry supplies?
When the floristry supplies industry is all about having a range of bits and bobs available, the amount of single-use paraphernalia involved is scary. However, as industries’ attention turns towards reducing waste and using less harmful products, more sustainable options are becoming available, giving floristry suppliers better choices that are kinder for the planet.
Consumers are also increasingly keen to make more environmentally friendly choices and will often actively seek sustainable options. In October 2019, the British Florist Association stated that 39% of couples now consider sustainability when planning their wedding — influenced by the rustic wedding trend and popular culture, with Princess Eugenie publicly requesting a ‘plastic-free’ wedding in 2018.
Simple, sustainable swaps
Several options are available for florists and floristry suppliers that are far less harmful to the environment. So, why not make these simple swaps?
- Swap out your floral foam
Floral foam is infamous for being carcinogenic, containing materials such as formaldehyde, carbon black and barium sulfates. Not only are florists who work with floral foam at a higher risk of developing cancer, but the carcinogens enter the surrounding soil and water as microplastics when the foam enters a landfill.
Instead, florists can choose from less harmful options if they require floral foam for an arrangement, such as the OASIS® BIOLINE® floral foam series comprising a range of biodegradable shapes.
Or better still, why not swap your floral foam for Agra Wool? Agra Wool — now rebranded as Sideau — is made from mineral basalt fibres that are 100% natural and fully biodegradable. This revolutionary product can be used in the same way as a conventional floral foam brick. Instead of breaking down into polluting microplastics, Agra Wool biodegrades into a nutritious soil-improver and growing medium to be reused in planting! It also produces no dust, is not irritating to the skin and absorbs water quickly to keep your floral arrangements well-watered.
- Make the switch to biodegradable cellophane
Unlike many plastics, cellophane cannot be recycled. However, did you know that it is biodegradable and is made from natural materials?
Bioplastic cellophane is thicker than other types of plastic, such as Cling Film — meaning it is more durable and less prone to breakage when used to wrap food items. And as a moisture-proof material, it is also excellent for wrapping fresh flower bouquets.
- Ditch the plastic packaging for paper bags
Not only are paper bags trendier and more visually appealing than plastic ones, but they are also a much more eco-friendly choice. Kraft paper bags are ideal for retail packaging: they are strong, durable, and both 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
We offer kraft paper bags in a range of sizes with flat paper tape handles or twisted handles, as well as rolls of kraft paper in several colours and glazed kraft bags that are perfect for food packaging.
The floristry industry does not have to kill the planet. We have a wide variety of products that can contribute to a greener world. Plus, if you do not see anything you like on our site, just give us a call and we will do our best to help.
