We see the demand for sustainable floral mechanics skyrocketing every week on the workbench. We’re No Plastic Floral Foam, a new supplier built by floral people for floral people. Our mission is simple. We help floral designers, studios, and brands switch to plastic-free design with professional-grade alternatives that keep pace with real production.
In this article, we share why it matters, how it works in practice, what designers actually gain, and a realistic case study of how we and our community build.
Why Plastic-Free Floristry Is Going Mainstream
Anyone working in floral design for events or retail knows the daily reality we live in. Speed and reliability are non-negotiable on the bench, while clients expect flawless presentation. At the same time, the pressure to move away from plastics grows by the season. Traditional phenol-formaldehyde foam has powered countless builds, yet it contributes to plastic waste and microplastics. Research shows aquatic life can ingest floral foam microplastics, and as a team in the trade, we take that seriously.
The industry is innovating toward plastic-free floristry. Prestigious shows like RHS Chelsea have banned plastic floral foam entirely, and sustainable design networks keep sharing workable alternatives. For florists, wholesalers, and brands, this means learning new materials without compromising workflow, hydration, or creative freedom. This is exactly where we come in at No Plastic Floral Foam.
Inspiration: Foam-Free Design at RHS Chelsea
Plastic-free floristry is no longer experimental to us. It stands center stage. At the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, one of the most influential showcases in the floral world, traditional foam is out across all exhibits. That decision has encouraged and accelerated the innovation we love to see in our community.
A striking example came from Acacia Creative Studio, whose bold tropical installation at the show entrance spelled out ’RHS’. Their team combined vibrant color palettes with Sideau, proving large-scale, sculptural design can be achieved without traditional plastic floral foam. Projects like these mirror what we hear from studios and event teams every day. Creativity and sustainability now work hand in hand.
Scaling from Boutique to Large Events
Whether it’s a high-end hotel launch or a landmark flower show, the build principles we follow are the same. The mechanics must be fast to prepare, stable during build-up, and responsible at breakdown. Plastic-free blocks and companion mechanics are now delivering that combination across our customer base.
With the right techniques, the foam-free alternatives we ship keep stems hydrated across event timelines, while giving designers the freedom to explore airy, sculptural compositions that spotlight flowers rather than mechanics.
What Is No Plastic Floral Foam (and Why We Start With Sideau)
No Plastic Floral Foam! is our platform and webshop dedicated to accelerating the transition toward sustainable floral design. We curate and distribute professional, plastic-free mechanics that meet modern performance standards, from everyday studio work to large-scale events.
Our first featured product is Sideau, a basalt fiber block with a bio-based binder derived from sucrose, designed to replace traditional floral foam without compromising on quality. Sideau consists of roughly 97% basalt and 3% sugar binder. Properly hydrated, a standard block absorbs water in about 2–3 seconds, and its natural caramel tone lets flowers and branding stand out without distraction.
Key features include:
- Plastic-free alternative to traditional plastic foam
- Fast water uptake when saturated correctly (approx. 2–3 seconds per block)
- Neutral caramel tone that supports clean design aesthetics
- Residual material becomes basalt sand after use
- Works with existing tools such as tape, glue, grids, and pin holders
Verification and context: Sideau is listed by the Dutch 'Barometer Duurzame Bloemist' certification as an approved product and has been accepted for use at RHS shows in the UK. We operate as an independent platform, and Sideau is our flagship product at launch.
How Sideau Performs in Real Event Workflows
Speed
One of the biggest adjustments our customers notice is just how quickly Sideau saturates. Unlike traditional foam that needs prolonged soaking, Sideau blocks should be dipped for only 2–3 seconds. The material drinks almost instantly, so leaving it longer can over-saturate. That fast uptake helps us and our clients prep multiple blocks at once, a genuine time saver during event build-ups and high-volume days.
Quality
Once properly hydrated, a standard Sideau block absorbs approximately 1.5 liters of water within seconds and then maintains reliable moisture for 24 to 36 hours under typical event conditions. That stable hydration window reduces the need for re-watering during build-ups and installations, so teams can move confidently through long working days. As with any professional mechanic, we still stress precise fixation and positioning for consistent results.
Presentation
The calm caramel tone of Sideau blends naturally into arrangements and photographs cleanly, avoiding the bright green distraction of conventional foam. We and many of our design partners find that this neutral base supports taller, cleaner structures while keeping the focus on flowers and brand aesthetics. Choosing plastic-free mechanics also reduces plastic waste at breakdown, a visible step our clients appreciate.
Operational
Working with Sideau asks for a slightly different touch than traditional foam. Because the material absorbs water in 2–3 seconds, accurate hydration is key. Our own handling notes and customer feedback describe the texture as firm yet responsive, offering secure stem placement once you get the feel. For finer stems, a small pilot hole with a skewer makes insertion smoother. After a short adjustment period, most teams find the process intuitive, with strong hydration and a neutral look that elevates the final design.
Creative
Foam-free blocks open the door to airy, modern compositions. The sculptural shapes and clean silhouettes we love benefit from a neutral base, aligning with design trends that emphasize natural form, minimalism, and brand clarity.
An Invitation to Plastic Floral Foam
The floral industry is moving toward less plastic and more responsibility without losing quality or beauty. Through No Plastic Floral Foam, we give florists, wholesalers, and brands access to a growing range of professional, plastic-free mechanics, starting with Sideau and expanding to the next generation of sustainable tools.
Join the community of forward-thinking makers testing these alternatives and shaping the future of floristry with us.
Discover No Plastic Floral Foam.
