Latex Balloons And Their Environmental Benefits

Latex balloons are 100% biodegradable because they are made with natural raw materials: latex, coagulant, and color pigments to create different colors.

In general, before any event or celebration, the essential element in the decoration is the balloons. However, very few people care what happens to them once the party is over.
At best it can end up in the dumpster. But some balloons, like those filled with helium, can go very far and end up polluting land and water, thereby causing damage to the environment.

Polyethylene balloons are the most used, but they are also the most polluting and hurt the environment: they even take 500 years to degrade. And the metallic plastic balloons can be considered even more harmful, since by not breaking they pollute much more.

Depending on climatic factors and light exposure, it is believed that latex balloons take about six months to decompose.

Latex is an alternative for the environment.

At present we have all heard about pollution and its harmful effects on living beings. That is why innovative ideas appear every day that are good for the environment.

Latex Balloons, Conscious Celebration

Thus, before knowing the benefits that latex represents for the environment, it is good that we remember what latex is.

What is Latex?

Latex is also known as rubber or rubber. It is a natural polymer that is obtained from the milky sap of a tree native to the forests of South America and Central America. This tree is called Hevea brasiliensis.

It can also be found in other species from which rubber is obtained, such as Uceola Elastica in Asia and Funtumia Elastica in Africa. However, it is in the American continent (mainly Brazil and Malaysia) where the largest worldwide production of rubber is found.

The latex obtained from the sap is whitish and has a semi-liquid and very dense texture, so it can be confused with a plastic derivative, although it is 100% vegetable.

To obtain the latex, you have to make V-shaped or spiral incisions in the bark of the tree, allowing the sap to flow. This way of dripping resin was developed in Singapore by Henry Ridley.

The incisions are made on a young tree since that is when they produce the most sap. It is also important to emphasize that this bleeding procedure is beneficial for the tree since by removing the excess sap, the tree can regenerate faster and grow a little more.

Main Characteristics of Latex

The essential characteristics of natural latex or rubber are: Elasticity

These two properties have made it possible for many industrial branches to use latex today for many different uses.

Uses of Natural Latex

Here are some examples of its uses:

Benefits of Using Latex for the Environment

The use of latex generates the following environmental benefits:

Latex and Compost Balloons

Because latex balloons have a natural origin, you can decide to give them another use once they have been used. The best option is to join it to compost with leftover vegetables and fruits and even sawdust. This can be transformed into a green and sustainable practice.

Decoration With Latex Balloons

Latex balloons are not far behind in terms of models, designs, colors, and textures, working perfectly in decorations. Giant latex balloons can be found to make a difference with spectacular ecological decorations. It is very important to bear in mind that they are 100% made of natural latex, without mixtures of materials that are not ecological. It is also a good idea for a 100% ecological decoration to tie them by hand, without plastic materials or ribbons. This way we make sure that everything is biodegradable.