Balloon Industry

There are many trade groups around the world that represent the balloon industry, including balloon retailers and balloon artists.

The Balloon Council, a group that represents the balloon industry in the United States, established Smart Balloon Practices, an educational and awareness campaign developed to serve several purposes: Educate consumers on the proper handling of balloons; Stress the importance of never releasing balloons; Maintain and nurture the public’s positive feelings about balloons; and Prevent anti-balloon legislation attempts in the future.

They also have a Responsible Balloon Retailer initiative. Responsible Balloon Retailers are certified by The Balloon Council as those who actively promote smart balloon use. Care needs to be taken when using any product, including one as joyous as a balloon, and these retailers are responsible, making sure that their customers have the information they need to responsibly enjoy their balloons.

Until 2018, the Balloon Council stated that using “biodegradable” latex balloons with no attachments for mass releases was safe for the environment. In 2018, The Balloon Council changed its stance on balloon releases. “The revised Balloon Release stance reads: Worth the Weight: The Balloon Council says balloons should not be released. Americans love balloons, but for many reasons no longer support balloon releases. Balloon makers have worked hard to share and inspire the use of Smart Balloon Practices to keep balloons available for every occasion. We stand with communities by encouraging that balloons be weighted, not released outdoors, and disposed of properly when broken or deflated. Whether it's a single balloon or hundreds, let's keep them from flying away. Don't let go: Inflate. Weight. Enjoy.”

http://www.theballooncouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/TBC-Stance-on-Balloon-Releases-2018.pdf

Pro Environment Balloon Alliance (PEBA) “PEBA USA is committed to working together with balloon professionals, environmental groups, government and media to eliminate the organized, deliberate release of balloons and to educate our customers and the public on the responsible use and disposal of balloons. “

PEBA Australia “PEBA was formed in Australia in July 2017 to be an advocacy body to promote positive changes in balloon industry practices, community education, corporate governance and to be a consultative body for legislative policy relating to balloons.”