Balloons are made of natural rubber latex, which is tapped from the rubber tree Hevea Brasiliensis.
The rubber trees produce a milky sap, which is then turned into latex – a one hundred percent natural substance that should never be confused with plastic. The trees are 'tapped' in a similar manner to the extraction of maple syrup – a process which has no harmful impact on the tree's health.
Since rubber trees are grown in plantations rather than their natural rainforest habitat, they help the world's ecosystem. This is because of the amount of carbon sequestration from the environment the trees provide. The rubber production industry is recognised as a 'green industry', which is not surprising when you consider that in just one year, the 16 million trees the worldwide balloon industry requires take up over 363 million kilograms of CO2 gases from the Earth's atmosphere.
In addition, rubber trees are one of the major forms of vegetation in tropical rainforests and as such, are helping to maintain the Earth's ecological balance. Instead of deforesting land in order to raise cattle, people are able to make a better living harvesting latex.
Most balloons are classed as toys which come with a very high level of regulation. There are many aspects to manufacturing balloons. Our manufacturers are some of the largest in the world and provide products with the highest standards of compliance.
Since latex balloons are the most popular types
The balloon market is worth over €540m in Europe alone and employs between 5000 - 6500 people. Russia and Turkey would add another €130m to that revenue channel. The industry also contributes approximately €126 - €143 in government revenues in VAT alone.