Looking to the
Thanks to a number of high-profile environmental campaigns, consumer awareness of the need to reduce waste has grown dramatically over the last few years. With all single-use plastics coming under scrutiny, the party industry has reacted quickly, ensuring that eco-friendly alternatives are on offer. PPE takes a look at how party is putting the planet first. Inset: The balloon and party industry has been pushing the ‘Don’t let go’ message for some time as it steers consumers away from balloon releases.
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rom the reusable bottles we drink from to the recycled materials our clothes are made from, the war against waste is continuing to gain traction with the general public. There’s little doubt that as a society we rely too much on single-use plastics and few of us would argue that the
EBPC Code Of Best Practise The EBPC Code of Best Practice has been devised to protect consumers and help them respect the environment. Environmental guidelines include: T Only sell helium-filled balloons with ribbon and weight attached. T Advise consumers to never release balloons into the atmosphere. T When you’re done – cut the end of the balloon and place in the bin.
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damage it’s causing to the environment is worth a few minor inconveniences. While there have been a number of dedicated groups campaigning to raise awareness of the issue for some time, mainstream media has finally taken the message on board. This is partly due to recent legislation (such the proposed EU single-use plastic directive, plastic bag charges and last year’s UK ban on products containing microbeads) and partly due to programmes such as the BBC’s Blue Planet, which can take at least some of the credit for bringing ecoawareness to a whole new audience. Initially, the focus was centred on some of the more obvious culprits; plastic carrier bags, disposable coffee cups and excessive food packaging – but it didn’t take long before the movement extended its reach. Plastic straws have come under fire following a number of wildliferelated incidents, were debated in parliament last year and are banned in a plethora of bar and restaurant chains, while balloons have also taken their fair share of flack. Even global charity Comic Relief came under fire for using balloons as part of its fundraising pack earlier this year.
Folat’s Future
“The industry is educating consumers on the potential impacts of balloon releases and in terms of sustainability, we are always looking to change to keep in tune with the times and consumer demand. Our plans for the future involve innovation and new product materials to help us move with the changing times.” Angela Reijenga, marketing coordinator, Folat The balloon industry and associations (there are a few; BAPIA, NABAS and EBPC) have been quick to respond to concerns, publicly announcing that their policy is to advise against releases. Balloon releases are generally frowned upon within the industry with the EBPC and all associated members actively promoting a ‘bin it, don’t release balloons’ policy within the Best Practice guidelines. As a founding member of the EBPC, Pioneer Europe fully subscribes to the EBPC Code of Best Practice
Above left: Pioneer Party’s new compostable tablware offering is available in a number of different designs. Above right: The new biodegradable packaging from ITI (UK) was launched at Spring Fair 2019. Right: The updated version of EBPC’s best practice programme has been re-designed by EBPC members with the aim of delivering clear guidance to consumers and raising a positive profile for the industry.
MARCH/APRIL 2019
05/04/2019 11:29