The future can seem very uncertain, if 2020 taught us anything perhaps it was to take nothing for granted. At Gemar we have always believed that it’s our responsibility to take care of the planet we live on, and the people and wildlife we share it with. After all, we have been here for four generations – we want to hand a sustainable future to the next four generations, and far beyond!

Go Green is not just a marketing campaign, or a passing trend. The truth is that it is essential to the survival of the human race. Sustainability is about respect, balance and equality, both in terms of the planet and also how we treat our fellow humans. Sustainability is a philosophy that underpins everything we do at Gemar, from the raw materials we use to our interactions with the local community.

The recent certified sustainability report highlighted 10 main ways that Gemar are working towards sustainability:

1. We are an Industry Leader
Gemar is the first company in the balloon and party industry to produce a certified sustainability report. Not only that, we always seek to promote best practice through campaigns such as “don’t let go”.

2. Natural Products
All our balloons are made from 100% biobased carbon. Natural latex is combined with organic pigments, no factory produced chemicals, to give a product that biodegrades at the same rate as an oak leaf.

3. Renewable and Recyclable
Our balloon manufacturing process uses 93% renewable materials. All of our packaging is reusable, recyclable or FSC®-certified.

4. FSC®-certified balloon range

We are developing a brand new line. The same top quality balloons but now certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) with a new range of Gemar balloons as 100% FSC®-certified (FSC™ C155424) and packaged with an FSC®-certified inlay.

5. Carbon Footprint
We are committed to reduce our carbon footprint. From the rubber plantation to finished balloons leaving the factory, we save 29.09 ton of carbon dioxide per ton of balloons.

6. Gemar Family
It is important to us that everyone involved with Gemar is treated well. That’s why 95% of our staff have a permanent contract, and all are able to work full time.

7. Community
Gemar’s influence reaches far beyond our staff in Italy. In the rubber plantations we seek to help communities grow by always prioritising and hiring local residents. We also sponsor many cultural, sporting and entertainment events.

8. Education
Not only does Gemar offer financial support to the local school in Casalvieri, we also take a hands-on approach to education with our unique Balloonista channel. We take part in events such as G come Giocare which allow our balloon experts to inspire children, through practical classes and a lot of fun.

9. Code of Ethics
Gemar is creating a Code of Ethics, and will ask everyone involved with the company to follow this code, from the furthest reaches of the supply chain to employees in Casalvieri.

Gemar is also frequently audited by a third party body, following SMETA principles, and is a member of both the SEDEX collaborative platform for ethical businesses, European Balloon & Party Council and the UN Global Compact.

10. Tradition and Innovation
We look back on four generations of balloon manufacturers with an unshakable passion and pride, but we are not stuck in the past. With a long tradition of innovation, we aim to lead the way into the future and in 2019 dedicated 5488 hours to research and development.

We are very proud to be considered industry leaders in such an important area, and we know that you feel the same way. Keep an eye out for more “Go Green” blog posts over the next few months.

Together we can lift the moment and protect the planet.