The facts and myths of biodegradable confetti

Our flower patch produces seasonal cut flowers between May & October and those blooms not sold or imperfect are made into 💯% biodegradable confetti.

When choosing wedding confetti, many couples aim for an eco-friendly option, but not all confetti marketed as "biodegradable" is truly sustainable. Below are the facts and myths about different types of confetti.

Facts and Myths About Biodegradable Wedding Confetti

✅ Natural Dried Petals

• Fact: 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly.
• Fact: They decompose naturally without harming the environment.
• Myth: All dried petals are the same—some (e.g., dyed or chemically preserved ones) may not break down as quickly.
• Fact: Popular choices include rose petals, lavender, and hydrangea petals.

✅ Tissue Paper Confetti

• Fact: Most tissue paper is biodegradable, especially if it's unbleached or uncolored.
• Fact: Breaks down faster than synthetic confetti, especially in wet conditions.
• Myth: All tissue paper confetti is compostable—some may contain synthetic dyes or coatings that slow decomposition.

❌ PLA (Polylactic Acid) Confetti (Bioplastic Confetti)

• Fact: Made from plant-based materials like cornstarch.
• Fact: Marketed as "biodegradable," but it requires industrial composting to degrade efficiently.
• Myth: PLA confetti will break down naturally in nature—it often takes years without the right composting conditions.

⚠️ Rice Confetti

• Fact: Traditional but not ideal—uncooked rice does not degrade quickly and can be harmful to birds.
• Fact: Some wedding venues ban rice confetti to protect wildlife.
• Myth: Birds die from eating rice at weddings—this is largely a myth, but rice is still not the most eco-friendly option.

✅ Sustainable Confetti Alternatives

• Leaf Confetti – Small punched-out leaves that decompose naturally.
• Herb Confetti – Rosemary, lavender, or mint for a fragrant, biodegradable option.
• Seed Paper Confetti – Embedded with wildflower seeds that grow when planted.

Conclusion

For a truly biodegradable option, dried flower petals, tissue paper, and natural leaf confetti are the best choices. Avoid PLA confetti unless an industrial composting option is available. Rice is outdated and may be discouraged due to environmental concerns. Always verify that your confetti is free from synthetic coatings or plastic content to ensure it breaks down quickly and safely. 🌿

Key Takeaways

• The most truly biodegradable options are natural dried petals and uncoated tissue paper.
• PLA confetti requires industrial composting, so it is not easily biodegradable in the wild.
• Rice confetti is biodegradable but may not be the most practical choice.
• Always check if paper confetti is free of coatings, glitter, and synthetic dyes to ensure it is eco-friendly.