In times where environmental consciousness is paramount, a remarkable innovation has emerged from Agra-Wool that promises to transform the floral industry: Sideau®. This 100% natural alternative to traditional floral foam has been available since 2018, offering a sustainable solution for florists and floral designers eager to contribute to a greener planet. But what makes Sideau® stand out from the crowd?
Let’s check the unique attributes of this groundbreaking product.
The Birth of Sideau®
Born in the Netherlands, Agra-Wool International has built a stellar reputation for its natural stone wool products used by growers. After extensive research into the density and functionality of floral materials, Sideau® was made. Unlike conventional floral foam, which is often crafted from petroleum-based products and phenolic resins (a type of plastic), Sideau® is entirely natural. This positions it as the perfect choice for anyone working with flowers who wishes to minimize their ecological footprint.
Sideau® is made from basalt, a volcanic rock, and is bonded with a natural binder free from harmful substances like acetylates and formaldehyde. Instead of relying on petrochemical ingredients, the production process incorporates plant-based materials such as sugar beets and cane sugar. During manufacturing, the materials undergo a heating process that caramelizes them, yielding the product’s distinctive brown hue. Impressively, this innovative method uses a staggering 70% less energy than that required for producing traditional yellow stone wool binders.
The Benefits of Using Sideau®
Embracing Sideau® brings a multitude of advantages for florists.
First, Sideau® is exceptionally dense and odorless. It absorbs water incredibly quickly. You can take the block in and out of the water, and it's ready for use right away, or pour 1.5 liters of water over the block. Both options result in no air bubbles and no time wasted.
Secondly, you can easily flip the block over and reuse the material if you want to create something new with Sideau®. The sponge-like structure makes this possible. After that, you can easily re-water your creation. Moreover, it retains its structure even when wet, simplifying the crafting process significantly.
Third, there is no waste at all. You can make the most of Sideau® by using leftover material for smaller projects. The leftover pieces can be used to grow and nurture microgreens for example. As its main component, Basalt is rich in beneficial minerals and can even completely decompose on the compost pile after use.
This all ensures an effortless and nature-friendly experience for florists eager to explore their creativity.
The name Sideau® is no coincidence; it pays homage to the founder of Agra-Wool, Sido. Earlier, we had an exclusive interview with Sido about his journey and inspiration.
Additionally, the name alludes to two key characteristics of the product: 'Si' and 'd’Eau', which translate to 'yes' and 'of water', respectively. This highlights Sideau®’s impressive water retention capabilities, which outperform those of traditional floral foam. As a result, it keeps water stored longer, making it more efficient and time-saving. Win-win!
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Since its launch in 2018, Agra-Wool has proudly pioneered a 100% natural alternative to floral foam. SIDEAU® has proven to be a reliable choice that exceeds consumer expectations, a testament to Agra-Wool’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Beyond providing a sustainable product, Agra-Wool values personal connections with customers and consumers. This focus fosters a strong relationship with Sideau® users, enabling the company to swiftly respond to their needs and preferences.
Contributing to a Greener Tomorrow
With Sideau®, Agra-Wool is leading a positive shift in the world by creating a smaller ecological footprint. This is not just a core value of the company; it is also a significant factor that differentiates them from competitors. At Agra-Wool, sustainability is more than a buzzword; it is a vow into the fabric of all their offerings.
In a time when the choice for sustainable products has never been more crucial, Sideau® presents an innovative solution for the floral industry. This 100% natural alternative is both environmentally and user-friendly. By opting for Sideau®, florists and floral designers can help to make a positive impact on the environment.
By choosing Sideau®, you will experience the significant difference that a sustainable product can make. Let the possibilities offered by Sideau® inspire you as you contribute to a greener world—one flower at a time. Let's cultivate a more sustainable future for our planet and the beauty it holds.
