With the urgency of the global climate crisis becoming increasingly clear, PartyWorldwide.net asked a number of party suppliers for their take on the issue.
“While this is an important concern – and I think most responsible suppliers are making the changes – it is not without its issues. I know from very recent experience that consumers have told retailers they are not buying latex balloons anymore because they are plastic.
When the retailer has explained they are in in fact made from latex and that latex has a lot environmental pluses, they keep the customer. But that does not then inform those consumers who do not go into their local party shop as they think balloons are plastic. That is a much bigger problem.
I have also heard two asides in stores, with customers saying that if the eco-friendly cost more than they would stick with the non-eco!”
Mark Brett, UK agent, Boland Party
“As a modern-minded business, we have to be conscious of the issues surrounding plastic and the impact it is having on the environment. We are all realistic that we cannot change this overnight but here at Bristol Novelty we are at least making efforts to move towards plastic free packaging where possible.
For example, our new wig packaging has been created with this in mind by removing plastic bags and replacing them with recyclable card outer boxes. The packs proudly display the Earth Friendly icon and although it’s only a small step forward, it is a positive one for the industry.
We are proud that our new packaging doesn’t just look good but they will actually be doing some good for the planet. We can’t eradicate all plastic packaging at this moment in time however we can make conscious effort in our transition to utilise more recyclable materials for our products.”
Fran Hales, marketing manager, Bristol Novelty
