Our Commitment
Lifting the Moment, Loving our Planet
At Gemar®, we’re passionate about lifting the moment and creating memories that last, spreading the joy of balloons around the globe as we work with our partners and customers worldwide.
The simple sight of a balloon brings joy to people of all ages, and we firmly believe that we can spread that joy in an environmentally friendly, sustainable and ethical way.
These are just a few of the ways that we work towards a better, and more sustainable, future.
Industry Leader in Sustainability
Gemar is proud to lead the way into the future, being the first company in the balloon and party industry to adopt sustainability reporting certified according to GRI guidelines since 2018. Sustainability reporting is the yearly communication of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals—as well as a company’s progress towards them. Each year our sustainability report is certified by a third party company to make sure that the information provided is accurate and in accordance with GRI guidelines.
Gemar is committed to the UN GLOBAL COMPACT corporate responsibility initiative and its principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption and supports the Sustainable Developments Goals.
Natural Products
All our balloons are made from “caoutchouc”, a natural and renewable material. Natural latex is combined with pigments to give a beautifully colourful product that is 100% bio-based.
We are very proud of the fact that we have always used caoutchouc natural rubber to manufacture Gemar balloons. Caoutchouc, a milky sap harvested from the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree in the same way that maple syrup is tapped from maple trees, is a natural and renewable material preserved throughout the manufacturing process.
100% FSC®-certified
We are proud to announce the new range of 100% FSC®-certified Gemar balloons (FSC™ C155424). The materials used in this range come entirely from FSC®-certified forests. FSC™ labelling tells customers that the materials used originate from sustainable and legal sources, that zero deforestation has occurred and biodiversity is maintained.
Renewable and Recyclable
Our balloon manufacturing process uses 90% of renewable materials. All of our packaging is reusable or recyclable and/or FSC®-certified. Unlike standard balloon packaging, which is usually thrown away as soon as it’s opened, our zip bags can be kept, reused again and again and refilled.
Carbon Footprint
Our balloons are made with caoutchouc which is a natural rubber latex spilled from the Heavea Brasiliensis trees (the rubber tree). Hevea Brasiliensis is considered a broad leaf tree and is one of the most effective tree species to act as a carbon sink.
Clean Energy
We are committed to increase the use of renewable energy in our manufacturing process. In 2023 we have installed in our factory solar panels that provide clean energy, creates no carbon emissions and avoids the environmental damage associated with fossil fuels.
Don’t Let Go
Everything that goes up must eventually come down, even though our balloons are bio-based, litter is still unsightly and poses a very real danger to wildlife, that’s why we don’t support balloon releases, instead we encourage our customers to use balloon weights and enjoy their balloons safely.
Gemar Family
Behind our success are a team of highly skilled and dedicated individuals – who are our greatest asset. It is important to us that everyone is treated well. In fact the core values of integrity, transparency, responsibility and loyalty underpin everything we do, and that includes our business relationships. For those working on site in Casalvieri, this means that all are able to work full time in fair and safe conditions.
Safety is Paramount
When choosing Gemar, our customers can be sure that our products are designed to meet the highest standard of quality and expertly made in Italy with pride and passion.
All processes, from design to manufacturing, are carried out in our Gemar facilities in Casalvieri in Italy, in compliance with the most stringent European standards and regulations for toy safety. Gemar quality is recognised across the globe, certified and tested by accredited bodies worldwide such as TUV, SGS, Intertek, IISG-UL.
Community
Gemar’s influence reaches far beyond our factory walls. In the rubber plantations we seek to help communities grow by always prioritising and hiring local residents. Here in Italy, we sponsor many cultural, sporting and entertainment events.
Made in Italy
All of our products are made entirely in our factories here in the Italian hills, nothing is ever outsourced or manufactured overseas. Manufacturing every balloon ourselves means that you can be sure that you will always get our famous top quality products.
Education
Not only do we provide financial support to local schools and events, we also take a hands-on approach. Our balloon experts love to share fun and practical classes, both at events and online. Through our unique Balloonista program we share educational video tutorials with people across the world, inspiring them to create and discover the joy and passion for balloons.
Ethics
We are an active member of Assogiocattoli and the European Balloon & Party Council (EBPC), organisations dedicated to improving industry standards and promoting best practices and responsible use of balloons through Party Safe. Gemar is also a member of SEDEX, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the ethics of global supply chains as well as European standardization bodies CEN-CENELEC and UNI.
In 2023 Gemar has partnered with Treedom to bring positive change to the environment and to people’s lives. We have planted 200 trees in 6 countries around the world benefitting not only the environment, but also people living in the region. Today they’re just seedlings, but tomorrow our trees will provide food, shelter and income opportunities, as well as helping to remove CO from the atmosphere.
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 in many ways, both big and small. We have a Research & Development team dedicated to promoting innovation across the manufacturing process through digitalization, energy reduction and technical enhancements.
Global Action
Gemar is the first company in the balloon and party industry to adopt sustainability reporting certified according to GRI guidelines and has been committed to the UN Global Compact corporate responsibility initiative since 2019.
by Cloud Media Pro