Floristry and the general floral design industry have often relied on floral foam, a synthetic product designed to hold flower stems in place while retaining water. While convenient for creating elaborate arrangements, this material carries an environmental cost, impacting the planet and even the health of both florists and users. This is one of the issues making modern floristry unsustainable.
Often what is recommended, then, is a radical shift towards sustainable alternatives. The urgency to transition away from plastic floral foam is emphasized by the fact that only 9% of all plastic produced has ever been recycled, underlining the inefficacy of its current waste management systems. A movement symbolized by a hashtag like #NoPlasticFloralFoam would, perhaps, drive this message home, and for a good reason.
The Concerns Raised About Plastic Floral Foam
Plastic floral foam, produced from phenolic foam, is a synthetic material composed of phenol-formaldehyde, a combination of toxic chemicals. This product is notorious for its non-biodegradability. Once discarded, it can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, which contributes significantly to plastic pollution. Researchers have pointed out that floral foam not only clogs waterways but also breaks down into microplastics that pose risks to wildlife and human health.
According to research floral foam, also, releases harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, into the environment when it comes into contact with water. These toxins can contaminate water sources and pose health risks to both humans and wildlife. As Dr. Charlene Trestrail, a water pollution researcher previously noted, when the plastic floral foam is crushed or washed down sinks, it creates microplastics that enter ecosystems, potentially harming aquatic life.
Moreover, the manufacturing process of floral foam is energy-intensive and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating the challenge of climate change. Lynn Fosbender, the founder of Pollen Floral Design Studio, once highlighted all these, noting that floral foam is a 'petroleum-derived product', meaning it comes from a non-renewable resource. Plastic floral foam, she said, is a single-use item meaning it ends up in the garbage bin after it is used just once. This was one of the reasons she decided to give up this product.
Lynn Fosbender:
"Being an eco-friendly florist means we work to minimize the resources we use while minimizing waste. This holistic approach to sustainability extends beyond the mere rejection of plastic floral foam and encompasses a broader commitment to environmentally conscious practices.”
Florist Tobey Nelson, who also chose to be plastic-foam-free, also, noted that in all of its current formulations, it is single-use plastic; a non-biodegradable material that poses a significant threat, as it not only ends up in landfills but also contributes to the growing crisis of microplastic pollution. Toby emphasized that the decision to go foam-free was not just about sustainability; it was about redefining the way we think about floral design. For her, choosing to work without plastic floral foam means florists can embrace more creativity and innovation, exploring new techniques and materials that align with eco-friendly practices.
Hundreds of florists worldwide subscribe to this notion. Their views are, by and large, backed by researchers who have spent years studying this floral product. Initiatives like the Sustainable Floristry Network's @nofloralfoam, with thousands of supporters on Instagram, have been instrumental in raising awareness and creating a sense of collective responsibility concerning sustainable floristry.
Why Florists Are Saying No to Foam
Many florists are rejecting floral foam in favor of sustainable practices—the hashtag #NoPlasticFloralFoam should, perhaps, trend—and advocating for eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, Rita Feldmann, a Melbourne-based florist, emphasizes the need for awareness about the environmental impact of floral foam and encourages her peers to adopt more sustainable methods. Similarly, Mabel Maposa a floral designer, and the owner of the Cape Town, South Africa-based Mabel M Florals promotes custom-designed arrangements that do not rely on floral foam, focusing instead on natural materials.
Similarly, many florists have reported that the transition away from plastic floral foam has led to more important connections with their materials and a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of flowers. This shift in attitude is crucial for creating and nurturing a holistic culture of sustainability within the floristry community.
Likewise, many florists, are increasingly recognizing that the aesthetic appeal of their arrangements does not have to come at the expense of the environment. They realize that by using sustainable alternatives, they can still create beautiful designs while minimizing their ecological footprint. Many of them have, accordingly, become advocates for sustainable floristry; leading workshops and masterclasses to educate fellow designers on the importance of going plastic-foam-free. These educational efforts empower others to make informed choices and adopt eco-friendly practices in their floral designs.
Shifting Towards Sustainable Practices: What Are These Eco-Friendly Alternatives?
A growing number of florists and floral designers are turning their backs on plastic floral foam and embracing eco-friendly alternatives. As Tobey aptly—and personally—put it, "Being plastic foam-free is just one part of my overall commitment to sustainable floristry."
So, which other alternatives would one rather use? Well, there are numerous sustainable alternatives for florists to adopt in their floral designs.
Agra-Wool International’s Sideau®
The Sideau® block is a product developed by Agra-Wool International, a company based in the Netherlands, renowned for its efforts in ensuring sustainability—more so in the flower design scene—and a commitment to creating substrates and water-absorbing materials that are both efficient and environmentally friendly. These floral blocks are made of materials that are deemed environmentally friendly, and hence they contribute to the sustainability of nature and the floristry industry as a whole.
The block has, practically, the same characteristics as any other floral foam in terms of use, but unlike the traditional plastic floral foam block—which is made from oil derivatives and phenol resin, a plastic—Sideau® floral block is fully natural and made of 97% basalt (a volcanic igneous rock) and 3% vegetable binder (a type of sucrose). The material provides a stable structure for flower arrangements while being less harmful to the environment than traditional floral foam. The product is, also, designed to break down naturally, adding nutrients back into the soil.
FloraGUPPY
FloraGUPPY is another innovative sustainable alternative to traditional plastic floral foam, addressing the environmental concerns associated with its non-biodegradable nature. Unlike petroleum-based foams, FloraGUPPY is made from natural, renewable materials, making it fully biodegradable and compostable. This significantly reduces the industry's plastic waste footprint; a crucial step towards eco-conscious floristry.
The product offers comparable functionality to traditional floral foam, providing a stable and water-retentive medium for flower arrangements, which guarantees the longevity of floral designs without compromising aesthetic appeal or ease of creation. With it, florists can showcase their environmental responsibility without sacrificing professional standards as it allows for the creation of stunning, long-lasting arrangements while not negatively impacting the health of the planet.
Holly Chapple Pillows
The Holly Chapple Pillow is a reusable alternative designed specifically for florists. Made from recyclable materials, it allows flowers to be arranged directly in water without the use of harmful plastics. Its design enables easy transfer between vessels and helps maintain the integrity of the arrangement while simplifying the process of refreshing water and recutting stems. Usually made from natural materials, it can be composted after use, making it a great choice for eco-conscious florists.
OshunPouch
The OshunPouch offers a compelling sustainable alternative to traditional plastic floral foam, prioritizing both environmental responsibility and design functionality. Unlike petroleum-based foams, the OshunPouch is a plant-based, compostable floral media that holds water and supports flower stems. It is made from coconut coir and a plant-based gelling agent, resulting in a completely compostable product. This significantly reduces the plastic waste prevalent in the floristry industry, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly practices.
This product’s benefits extend past its biodegradable nature. It effectively holds water and supports flower stems, ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of arrangements. Its design facilitates the easy insertion of stems, making it a practical and user-friendly replacement for floral foam. Furthermore, its certified home compostability simplifies disposal, eliminating the need for specialized waste management.
Flower Frog (Kenzan)
Flower frogs, also known as kenzans, similarly, offer a time-tested, sustainable solution for floral arranging, providing an ideal alternative to the environmentally damaging plastic floral foam. These small, weighted metal discs, typically with sharp pins, securely hold stems in place, allowing for creative arrangement designs without needing a water-retaining foam base. Their reusability is a key advantage; a single kenzan can be used repeatedly for countless arrangements, significantly reducing waste compared to single-use foam blocks.
Also, the absence of synthetic materials makes kenzans integrally eco-friendly. They are typically made from durable metals, ensuring longevity and minimizing the need for replacements. Furthermore, their simple design and ease of cleaning contribute to their overall sustainability. While not suitable for all arrangements, particularly those requiring extensive hydration within the foam, kenzans still remain a perfect choice for many styles, especially those emphasizing minimalist or Japanese Ikebana designs.
Chicken Wire and Tape Grids
Using chicken wire and tape grids is, also, a cost-effective and handy method for creating sustainable flower arrangements. Florists can mold chicken wire into any shape and secure it with tape, providing a sturdy structure for flowers. This method is not only eco-friendly but also allows for more creativity in designs. As demonstrated by Shean Strong, a Mayesh design star, this technique can be just as effective as traditional floral foam in creating stunning centerpieces and varied other arrangements. Essentially, the use of chicken wire and tape grids allows for a more sustainable approach, as these materials can be reused and most are, in the end, biodegradable.
Numerous other alternatives exist, and florists can use them to create equally stunning arrangements. For instance, natural moss is an excellent alternative to synthetic foam, offering a biodegradable option that retains moisture effectively. Sphagnum moss, in particular, is favored for its water-holding capabilities. Using pebbles or decorative rocks as a base for arrangements could, also, provide both stability and aesthetic appeal since they can hold stems securely while allowing water access. This, also, makes them an attractive option for various designs. What is more, florists can also explore traditional craft techniques using natural materials like twigs or branches to create supportive structures within vases or containers. This method offers artistic flexibility and aligns with sustainable practices by making use of readily available organic materials.
All these alternatives not only cut the use of plastic floral foam, but also reduce plastic waste, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of floral arrangements by incorporating natural elements. Even so, collectively raising awareness and advocating for change within the industry, can also work towards a future where beautiful floral arrangements do not come at the cost of the natural environment and human health.
Feature image by @mindfullywed, header image by @phoamlabs.
