3 Harmful Effects of Promotional Balloons to the Environment

Promotional balloons usually signify fun and festivities. Since time immemorial, they have been used to jazz up parties, parades, product launches, festivals, and other special occasions. However, there is nothing worth celebrating about the harmful effects that they are causing the environment. You may be asking yourself, how does that affect my brand?

We all call this planet our home and everyone has a responsibility to take care of it. Brands also earn extra brownie points with consumers for being environmentally conscious. According to a 2017 Unilever report, a third of consumers prefer sustainable brands. It is also supported by the ASI’s Global Ad Impressions Study, which reveals that 42% prefer environmentally friendly promotional products.

To further motivate you, here are 3 ways that promotional balloons are wreaking havoc to the environment and what your brand can do about it.

Promotional balloons end up as waste in our waters

Promotional balloons just add to our ballooning waste volume each year. It is reported that we are the second highest waste producers in the world. Balloons take a long time to disintegrate in the water, lasting for up to four years.

Promotional balloons kill wildlife

Birds and marine wildlife often mistake the latex or Mylar from balloon debris for food, blocking their digestive tract and eventually starving them to death when ingested. On the other hand, the ribbon or ties attached to the balloons end up on trees, power lines, or ground, which could entrap birds and animals. In fact, there have been many reports of birds being injured due to the strings accidentally wrapping around their beaks or wings and being suffocated upon entangling themselves.

The damage of promotional balloons are far-reaching

Promotional balloons don’t just affect the nearby surroundings where they were used. When released, they could travel up to 800 kilometers, which means they end up as waste in other parts of the world.

Here’s what your brand can do instead

There are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives that brands can use instead of promotional balloons during their marketing campaigns and special events. Here are the best promotional products that are just as festive and effective as balloons.

Chinese Paper Lantern

Paper Buntings

Inflatable Bang Bang Sticks

Supporters Flag

Colour Bubbles in Bottles

Turn your special events and festivities be more environmentally friendly with eco-friendly promotional products. If you have an upcoming event or party that you would like our Brand Guardians to help you with, contact us by phone at 02 8072 3350 or email us at sales@brandconnect.com.au.