The much debated floral foam as we know it today may soon have a successor.
Phoam Labs patented foam is being developed to replace the phenolic foam widely used today in flower arranging and the floristry industry around the world.
Over the past seven years, following research carried out at the University of Minnesota, USA, Phoam Labs developed a compostable polylactide (PLA) to replace the phenolic foam widely used today in flower arranging and the floristry industry around the world.
Patents were granted in both the US and Europe in 2022.
Today, at the Phoam Labs R&D facility in Minneapolis, they are making the world’s first full size compostable floral foam bricks and plan to be in commercial production later in 2023.
PLA is totally renewable within a 12-month cycle. Phoam Labs™ patented floral foam generates no micro-plastics and contains no toxic chemicals for their employees, users, and the environment.
The foam is designed to be used as both a wet and dry foam for both dried and fresh flowers.
It is plant based and fully compostable.
In tests at the Composting Manufactures Alliance, 95% of it had disappeared after 10 weeks.
Made from renewable materials it is 100% non-toxic.
Plant based, it is derived from corn which is mashed to a pulp and turned into pellets. CO² is then injected which expands the pellets and causes them to stick together, forming a natural, open cell polymer which can take up water.
The result?
A block cut to the same dimensions as traditional floral foam but much lighter and less dense to the touch. And no ‘dust’ to irritate skin or eyes.
How quickly does it absorb water?
It takes between 45-90 seconds, but it does need to be held down, as it’s so light it floats.
What colour is it?
It is currently dyed pale green using a food grade dye, but other colours may appear in the future.
When can I get my hands on it?
Production begins at the end of 2023, so it should be in wholesalers from early 2024 onwards.
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