Aztecs to the Modern Age: The History of Latex Balloons

Even in the earliest of civilizations, people wanted something to use to mark celebrations. Celebrations have evolved a lot since then, and one thing that has evolved with them is latex balloons. Latex balloons didn’t start out as latex, or anything close to what we know them as now. Whether you’re using balloons as a party favor or a promotional product for your next company event, wouldn’t you like to know where they came from? Let’s take a look back at history.

Ancient Balloons 

Anthropologists have found the earliest uses of “balloons” dating back to ancient times – all the way back to the Aztecs to be exact. We use the term balloons loosely, as these creations were very different from what we now know balloons to be. The Aztecs wanted something extra to display on their offering alters. These early balloons were made from cat bowels that were carefully cleaned and left to dry in the sun. After being stitched with up with a special kind of vegetable thread, these balloons were later filled with air and twisted into different shapes before gracing the sacrificial alters of the Aztecs. It’s also said that these early balloons were taken to the top of the Aztec pyramid in praise of the sun. These very early balloons aren’t the most pleasant things, but this was the first documented example of a decorative celebration material.

Let’s fast-forward quite a few years to the year 1824. A professor by the name of Michael Faraday at the Royal Institute of London invented the closet thing to the balloon we are familiar with today. The sole purposes of these almost modern balloons were to aid Professor Faraday’s hydrogen experiments. Faraday began cutting two equal sized round patterns from India-rubber - or the milky discharge of a certain South American tree. He would then coat the inside of these circles with flour to prevent them from sticking. After he had the floured circles ready, he would stick the two edges together to create a sort of bag that would then be filled with hydrogen. People were astonished by the amazing transparency and lift of these accidental balloons.

Following Professor Faraday’s accidental balloon invention, do-it-yourself balloon kits were made available for sale the next year in 1825. These kits were sold to people through fairs or magazines where they would have to go through a process similar to Professor Faraday to create a balloon. Then, in 1889, balloons were brought to the United State by the Montgomery Ward catalogue. It was not until 1907 when balloons were actually being manufactured in the United States – first by the Anderson Rubber Company in Ohio. More strides were made in 1922, when the use of hydrogen to fill balloons was made illegal. Hydrogen tended to be very flammable and very dangerous; helium was used instead. Finally, in 1931 the rubber balloon industry changed for good. Gone where the days of fragile balloons and colors that rubbed off on the skin. The Tillotson Rubber Company was the first to manufacture balloons from the sap of a rubber tree – latex balloons were born!

 

Modern Balloons and You 

The history of balloons is one for the record books. It’s obvious that balloons have evolved so much since their beginnings as animal intestines or experiments for hydrogen behavior. Today, balloons are a staple used in celebrations all over the world. From kid’s birthday parties to a company’s grand opening event, latex balloons are a surefire way to get your message of celebration across. We can trace the use of balloons for celebrations back hundreds and hundred of years.

Even better, using latex balloons to promote your business is one of the best ways to get your company or brand name out there. You will need to search out the best custom balloon printer that offers great deals on wholesale promotional balloons. Everyone from car dealerships to technology companies, to presidential candidates and mom and pop shops have made use of latex balloons in their marketing strategies. The use of balloons for marketing may not be as old as the Aztecs, but this practice does date back to the 1920’s when companies would use them for celebrations – Walt Disney even marketed Mickey Mouse balloons in 1929. So if you’re looking to increase your company’s exposure, make use of one of the oldest tools for celebrations – balloons!

Going Green for your Next Promotional Event: Natural Latex Balloons

With rising concerns about the preservation of our environment and climate change, more and more people are choosing to reduce their impact on the planet. This goes for businesses as well. We’ve all been given a promotional pen or pad of paper at the bank or work event. Many businesses that practice giving away promotional items are choosing to print their logos on items made with eco-friendly materials. These promotional products are made with a large amount of recycled materials like old plastic water bottles or scrap fabrics. Let’s take a look at how you can promote your business and preserve the environment at the same time.

A Recycled (and Fun) Marketing Strategy 

Countless industries turn to promotional products in an effort to get their brand or company name out there. People love getting a free pen when they visit the doctor’s office or being handed a free water bottle after signing up at the gym. All of these products have something in common; they are branded with a company logo or name. The practice of promotional giveaway items has been around a very long time, and it’s proven itself to withstand the test of time…and consumers. Today, these promotional items have been given an eco-friendly update.

Latex balloons can be one of the most controversial promotional products on the market. Environmentalists argue that latex balloons are not biodegradable under any circumstances. If we really think about the nature of latex, this debate answers itself. Latex is a natural material that comes from the earth itself. Latex is, in fact, a milky sap-like substance produced by rubber trees. When balloons are made from this natural form of latex, excluding the chemical and preservatives used in other types of latex products, they become highly biodegradable and eco-friendly.

Let’s Explore the Facts 

Many businesses and brands choose to promote a special event, giveaway, or simply their organization with the use of latex balloons. Recently, these businesses or brands could have steered away from using latex balloons as a promotional material. This is because of the constant reminder of the harmful effects of litter on our natural environment and animals. Now more than ever, natural latex balloons are equally as safe as they are effective. If you choose to release balloons during a special company event, these natural latex balloons can rise to a height of 5 miles before they freeze and burst. They do not return to earth intact, and the debris that scatters after the initial burst will decompose in the same amount of time as an oak leaf.

After you release your balloons during an event, or even if you’re just using these natural latex balloons as promotional giveaways, there is little to worry about in terms of litter. We should always be concerned with our impact on the environment, and aim to reduce the amount of litter we produce. If natural latex balloons happen to burst in the air, the litter dissipates in a spaghetti like fashion. Depending on where this litter is left, it will decompose back into the natural landscape in a small amount of time. Recently, after a costal cleanup of the United States, organizations found that only 0.07% of the litter cleaned up was from latex balloons.

Have Fun and Take Care 

After learning about natural latex balloons and their impact on our environment, it’s safe to say that they are still one of the best and most fun promotional products. These natural latex balloons are a great bet for family-friendly businesses. What’s better than making your customers and their kids happy? Purchasing some custom printed promotional balloons to get your name out there is way more fun than a plastic pen or notepad. A balloon can instantly put a smile on your potential customers faces, no matter their age. With natural latex balloons, you have the ability to promote your business or brand in a fun and eco-friendly manner.

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Now that you’re ready to purchase your custom natural latex balloons, you should know a few important facts about promoting safely. Even though these balloons are highly biodegradable, but sure to still pick up any litter popped balloons may have left behind. You’ll expedite the biodegrading process by deposing of them properly. If you’re planning on releasing a large amount of natural latex balloons for a special event, it’s best to involve a professional. They’ll know how much air to fill the balloons with and what to include to help reduce the environmental impact even more. Also, steer clean of foil balloons if you’re concerned with eco-friendly promotional materials. Foil balloons are made from synthetic materials that are not biodegradable, but are recyclable. So be sure to dispose of them properly and do not intentionally release them. And most of all, happy promoting!