Floral foam adds to microplastic pollution problem: study

Floral foam adds to microplastic pollution problem: study

As the cut flower industry hits one of its busiest periods, new RMIT research has shown that the water-absorbing green floral foam used by florists is contributing to the world’s microplastic problem.

A study published in Science of the Total Environment found the plastic foam, which breaks into tiny pieces, can be ingested by a range of freshwater and marine animals and affect their health.

Charlene Trestrail from RMIT’s Ecotoxicology Research group said the study - the first to examine the environmental effects of foam - looked specifically at the impact of this widely-used substance on aquatic animals.

“We tested a range of invertebrates with different feeding modes and all animals ingested the foam, with some species demonstrating stress responses as a result of consuming the material,” said Trestrail, a PhD researcher in the School of Science. 

10 December 2019

Share

Floral foam inside the digestive tract of a freshwater crustacean. Floral foam inside the digestive tract of a freshwater crustacean. Image: Charlene Trestrail

The vast majority of florists who use foam are disposing of floral foam particles down the sink, according to a recent survey by the Sustainable Floristry Network.

The survey of more than 1200 florists globally found two-thirds of florists use foam, and of those that do, 72% pour the foam wastewater down the sink or drain, while 15% add it to the garden or soil.

A social media trend of crushing floral foam, often directly into the sink, is also adding to floral foam pollution issues, with one video promoting the fad amassing 70 million views. Each foam block is equivalent in weight to around 10 plastic bags. 

Rita Feldmann, Founder of the Sustainable Floristry Network, said the research confirms the suspicions of concerned florists who are questioning the product and reverting to more sustainable, old-fashioned methods of floral design. 

“For an industry that seeks to celebrate nature, we are actually adding to environmental problems when using this product,” Feldmann said.

“Disposal issues have stemmed directly from a lack of user information about the product on packaging and at the point of sale.

"For the past 60 years, florists all over the world have been pouring it down the sink or putting it in the soil.

"And we have no idea what customers do with it - we do know that it is regularly buried with coffins.” 

10 December 2019

Share

Green floral foam brickEach foam block is equivalent in weight to around 10 plastic bags. Image: Rita Feldmann, Sustainable Floristry Network

Fighting against floral foam

Floral foam has been the base medium of choice for florists all over the world since its invention in the US by manufacturer Smithers Oasis in the 1950s.

The RMIT study showed the floral foam microplastics also leach chemicals into the surrounding water and these were more toxic to aquatic invertebrates than leachates from other plastic families.

Trestrail said more research was needed to better understand the impact of ingestion of the particles and related compounds on animals.

New global organisation the Sustainable Floristry Network has been created on the back of the #nofloralfoam movement started by Feldmann, with many florists among the 33,000 following the @nofloralfoam Instagram account. 

Backed by highly regarded florists from around the globe, the Sustainable Floristry Network aims to support florists to transition to more sustainable practices by providing free education on foam-free floristry and sustainable floral design and business practices. The network will also provide a guide for how customers can find a sustainable florist.

The study, Foaming at the mouth: Ingestion of floral foam microplastics by aquatic animals, with senior authors Professor Dayanthi Nugegoda and Professor Jeff Shimeta, is published in Science of the Total Environment (DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135826). 

 

Story: Gosia Kaszubska

  • Research
  • Industry
  • Environment
  • Sustainability
Engage

Related News

news-eureka-prize-carbon-conversion-1220px.jpg

RMIT carbon conversion technology wins Eureka Prize

A breakthrough RMIT technology that captures and converts carbon dioxide into valuable products in a single process has won one of Australia's most prestigious science awards.

floating_wetland_thumbnail.jpeg

Floating wetlands slash wastewater greenhouse gas emissions: study

A world-first trial of floating wetland pods in wastewater lagoons shows they cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than a quarter, highlighting their potential as a nature-based solution for decarbonising the water sector.

news-green-hydro-catalyst-model-1220px.jpg

Low-cost innovation boosts green hydrogen production

RMIT researchers and international collaborators have demonstrated a new way to significantly increase green hydrogen production using low cost materials, offering a potential pathway to cheaper clean fuel.

news-camera-chip-1220px.jpg

Tiny chip could help cameras spot hidden details

A tiny new chip could give cameras and sensing systems a far sharper view of the world, helping them detect subtle differences in materials and environments that standard colour imaging systems cannot see.

Show more
aboriginal flag float-starttorres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information