Sustainability and environmental conservation are of utmost importance in today’s world. This is why practically all industries strive to achieve these ideals. As a result, it is crucial to find options that minimize harm to the planet. Just the same way, floristry, an industry sometimes associated with the use of non-natural materials, is also transforming and adopting more sustainable practices. One innovation in this regard, is the Sideau® Floral Block, a non-plastic alternative to traditional floral foam.
These floral blocks are made of materials that are deemed to be 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 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).
Development of the Sustainable Sideau® Blocks
The Sideau® Block is a product developed by Agra-Wool International Group, a renowned company based in the Netherlands. The company is widely known 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.
For that reason, the Sideau® Floral Block is perfectly suited for florists and flower arrangers who want to use a fully sustainable environmentally friendly base for their floral designs and creations. The blocks introduced in 2018 have quickly become a leading sustainable option for florists. And just for your info, Sideau® is affiliated with the Barometer Duurzame Bloemist (Sustainable Florist) initiative and RHS-affiliated societies.
Photo by @sideau_agrawool
The product name Sideau® is derived from the first name of the owner of Agra-Wool, Sido Fokkema. The material’s name consists of two sentences: Si and d'Eau, which explains one of the main qualities of this product; it absorbs and retains water perfectly, quite unlike the traditional floral foam.
Composition and Material of This Floral Block
Also, unlike traditional floral foam, Sideau blocks are sustainably made from a 100% natural material. This is a material derived from basalt, a volcanic igneous rock plus a vegetable binder. The composition, therefore, sets Sideau® Blocks apart from other products, as they do not rely on oil derivatives or plastic materials that are harmful to the environment. This, therefore, makes it the perfect sustainable plastic-free material suitable for floral designs and arrangements!
Photo by @sideau_agrawool
Sideau® is, also, noticeably softer but still very dense, has a recognizable brown color, and emits neither odor nor little dust particles. This material, also, does not irritate hands and one’s skin whenever they use it. For these and many other reasons, it is considered friendly to both people and the environment, and also pets as well!
A Beneficial Material With Sustainable Features
Sideau® Blocks offer several sustainable features that make them an excellent choice for sustainable floristry and floral design. One of the key pluses of these blocks is their full biodegradability. When disposed of, they break down naturally over time, leaving behind no harmful residues or microplastics. Also, unlike traditional floral foam, Sideau® Blocks can be reused multiple times. Due to the spongy structure, it can be recycled by wrapping chicken wire around it. This significantly reduces waste and contributes to a more sustainable floral industry.
Photo by @sideau_block
Additionally, these blocks have excellent water absorption capabilities. They can absorb water within 15 seconds. And they continue to absorb water time and time again, allowing one to water their flower arrangements only when the blooms seem to be drying out. This guarantees that flowers receive just the necessary hydration for extended periods. What’s more, Sideau® Blocks are suitable for various types of flower arrangements, including fresh, dried, and silk flowers. Their versatility makes them a go-to choice for florists looking to create sustainable designs.
Furthermore, with Sideau®, one no longer has any waste of the product. Pieces left over after cutting the blocks into the required shapes can easily be torn into smaller pieces and put in a pot, vase, or wooden crate, then reused as a substitute for potting soil. Anything with a root will grow on it! One can also deposit it on their compost heap as basalt is full of nutritious minerals, and is also used to upgrade heavy clay soil. And what remains when degraded is basalt meal (sand) which is completely natural and harmless to nature.
Sideau® Blocks' Environmental Benefits
In choosing to work with Sideau® Blocks, florists play a vital role in environmental conservation. They, for instance, ensure reduced plastic usage. Traditional floral foam is predominantly made from plastic materials, and when they opt for Sideau® Blocks, florists actively reduce their reliance on single-use plastics, helping fight plastic pollution.
Also, the production of Sideau® Blocks utilizes vegetable raw materials, such as sugar beet or cane sugar, rather than petrochemicals. This switch to renewable resources, also, decreases the carbon footprint associated with their production. What’s more, when Sideau® Blocks are no longer suitable for floral arrangements, they can be discarded on a compost heap since they are 100% natural. Alternatively, they can be crushed into smaller pieces and used as a substrate, further reducing waste and enhancing sustainable practices.
Photo by @sideau_agrawool
Its Positive Impact on the Floristry Industry
The adoption of Sideau® Blocks in the floristry industry has brought about several positive changes. To start with, they provide floral designers with endless creative possibilities. Their ability to hold flower stems securely and absorb water efficiently allows artists to bring their imaginative designs to life. Also, florists demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and promote environmental awareness within their industry when using this material. This, in turn, inspires customers to make eco-conscious choices when purchasing floral arrangements.
Moreover, these blocks have continued to inspire collaborations between florists, growers, and suppliers. The shared goal of sustainability has nurtured partnerships that prioritize the use of environmentally friendly materials and techniques throughout the floristry supply chain.
Another key advantage of Sideau® Blocks is their ability to distribute water evenly throughout the arrangement. The basalt material used in the material allows for optimal water absorption and retention, ensuring that flowers stay fresh and hydrated for longer periods. This feature is particularly beneficial for floral designs that require long-lasting arrangements, such as wedding bouquets or event centerpieces.
Educating the Floristry Industry
Similarly, Agra-Wool International — the makers of the floral block — is actively involved in educating the floristry industry about the benefits of Sideau® Blocks. Through collaborations with floral associations, workshops, and even articles, the company aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of non-natural floral foam and provide sustainable alternatives. In spreading knowledge and promoting eco-conscious practices, the company encourages the adoption of the material and contributes to a more sustainable floral industry.
What’s more, as consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for sustainable products and practices in the floral market. Florists who offer arrangements made with materials like Sideau® Blocks can tap into this demand, attracting eco-conscious customers who prioritize sustainability. Aligning their business with environmentally friendly alternatives, therefore, guarantees that florists can differentiate themselves in the market and appeal to a wider customer base.
Also, Agra-Wool International continues to invest in research and development to further improve the material and explore other new sustainable materials for the floristry industry. Hence, as it remains a pioneer in floral sustainability innovation, the company makes it a responsibility to provide florists and floral designers with even more of these eco-friendly alternatives that meet the ever-evolving needs of the flower industry. This, basically, contributes to a greener future.
Generally, Sideau® Blocks have steadily continued to gain recognition and significant acceptance within the floristry industry. It is admirable that florists, event planners, and floral designers worldwide are embracing this eco-friendly alternative to traditional foam. And the positive feedback from professionals who have embraced and incorporated it into their floral creations emphasizes its effectiveness and sustainability benefits. It is, therefore, a product that all would find suitable for use in their floral arrangements and designs.
Come and See at Trade Fair Aalsmeer
Sideau® will be showing their floral blocks at the Trade Fair Aalsmeer this year in their shared booth with florist materials provider Vive La Fleur. Come to booth 1.20 between 5 and 7 November 2024!
And there's more... Also the upcoming South Netherlands Flower Arranging Championship by Groei & Bloei in the southern town of Helmond will feature the Sideau® blocks. That's something for a fun and educational day out as well on the 3rd of November 2024.
