OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam
Floral Foam, Reinvented
At Smithers-Oasis and its global-leading brand OASIS® Floral Products, we know what it takes to revolutionize the floral industry. We invented floral foam, and now we’re reinventing it.
Meet the plant-based, biobased, low carbon footprint, high performance foam suited for every kind of floral design:
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam.
READ THE PRESS RELEASE HEREFIND FAQs HERE
Performance You’ve Come to Trust
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam performs like petroleum-based OASIS® Floral Foams but has the sustainability benefits you want.
Float saturates, holding 1.5-2.0 liters of water per brick
One foam fits all kinds of stems, whether soft and hollow or thick and woody
Cut and shape it whether it is wet or dry
56% Reduction in Carbon Footprint
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam has a 56% lower carbon footprint cradle to grave as compared to petroleum-based OASIS® Floral Foams. All carbon footprint analyses were conducted by nova-Institut, an independent research institute and science-based consultancy whose primary work is focused on the topic of renewable carbon cycles.
Plant Based
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is made with plant-based, renewable materials rather than the petroleum-based resins used for most other floral foams.Certified OK biobased by TÜV Austria with its highest rating of 4 stars. TÜV Austria is a third-party certifying agency recognized globally.
No Dyes or Colorants
The natural color of the plant materials creates the natural color of the foam. A dark greenish-grey when it is dry, OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam becomes a deep, rich, black color when saturated.
Non-Toxic
Just like all other OASIS® Floral Foams, OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is non-toxic.
Excellent Flower Life
We have conducted hundreds of flower life tests using a broad range of flowers in our postharvest research laboratories around the world. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam results in an average flower life of one week (7 days), so your designs look better for longer.
U.S. patent pending
56% Reduction in Carbon Footprint
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam has a 56% lower carbon footprint cradle to grave as compared to petroleum-based OASIS® Floral Foams. All carbon footprint analyses were conducted by nova-Institut, an independent research institute and science-based consultancy whose primary work is focused on the topic of renewable carbon cycles.
Plant Based
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is made with plant-based, renewable materials rather than the petroleum-based resins used for most other floral foams.Certified OK biobased by TÜV Austria with its highest rating of 4 stars. TÜV Austria is a third-party certifying agency recognized globally.
No Dyes or Colorants
The natural color of the plant materials creates the natural color of the foam. A dark greenish-grey when it is dry, OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam becomes a deep, rich, black color when saturated.
Non-Toxic
Just like all other OASIS® Floral Foams, OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is non-toxic.
Excellent Flower Life
We have conducted hundreds of flower life tests using a broad range of flowers in our postharvest research laboratories around the world. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam results in an average flower life of one week (7 days), so your designs look better for longer.
U.S. patent pending
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam FAQS
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam Ingredient FAQS
What is OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam made from?
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is plant-based, with approximately 83% of the ingredients coming from biobased materials. This is different than other traditional floral foams, which are petroleum-based.
What are the remaining ingredients that aren’t biobased?
The remaining ingredients that are not biobased (approximately 17%) are materials for which there are no biobased options at this time. They are needed to make the foam feel and perform like traditional OASIS® Floral Foam. They are critical in the production process. We continually evaluate new biobased raw materials as they become available with the goal of increasing overall biobased content.
Does OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam contain formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is not an ingredient in OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam. There is a chance that trace amounts of formaldehyde (parts per billion) could naturally develop during the production process; however, if they do form, they are at scant levels far below any reporting requirements.
Why has this new product been developed?
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam was developed to offer an alternative to petroleum-based floral foams for florists and floral designers who are seeking that option.
Is OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam a plastic?
From a market user standpoint, plastic is fossil fuel or petroleum based. From a scientific standpoint, all moldable polymers are plastics - regardless of their materials, including plants. So scientifically, this biobased, plant-based product could be considered a plastic; however, it does not fit the general market definition of a plastic.
Does OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam use virgin biomass or secondary use biomass?
We cannot provide specific information on biomass due to intellectual property restrictions. We can confirm we are not using biomass resulting from deforestation, clear-cutting of wild lands, etc.
What does plant-based mean?
Plant-based means OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam’s primary components are derived from renewable plant materials.
What types of plants are used?
We cannot provide information on the specific plant materials used due to intellectual property restrictions. In order to achieve third-party certification from TÜV Austria, all raw material ingredients were reviewed so they could validate our claims.
Where does the plant material come from?
We cannot provide specific information on our plant material sources due to intellectual property restrictions. We can confirm we are not using plant materials resulting from deforestation, clear-cutting of wild lands, etc.
Does OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam contain any fossil fuels or petroleum? Is it petroleum-free?
Petroleum and fossil fuels are not ingredients in OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam. There is a chance that trace amounts of petroleum may be in the non-biobased ingredients as a result of their production processes; therefore, we do not make a claim of petroleum-free to remain fully transparent.
Does OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam contain any dyes or colorants?
No. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is free from dyes and colorants. Its color is derived from the plant-based materials. It appears grey/green when dry and turns a rich black when wet.
Why isn’t OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam green?
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is free from dyes and colorants. Its color is derived from the plant-based materials. It appears grey/green when dry and turns a rich black when wet.
Is OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam scented?
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam does not contain scent additives. Some users may detect a mild, natural scent from the plant-based materials, which is minimized when the foam is saturated.
Is OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam patented?
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is patent pending in the U.S.
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam Sustainability FAQS
Why isn’t OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam 100% biobased?
Achieving 100% biobased content in floral foam cannot yet be achieved due to performance requirements and material properties. The ingredients that are not biobased (approximately 17%) are materials for which there are no biobased options at this time. They are needed to make the foam feel and perform like traditional OASIS® Floral Foam and are critical to the production process. We continually evaluate new biobased raw materials as they become available with the goal of increasing overall biobased content. The current formulation prioritizes sustainability while delivering the functional needs of floral foam.
How does OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam reduce environmental impact?
Through a carbon footprint analysis conducted by a third-party organization, OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is shown to have a 56% reduction in carbon footprint cradle to grave as compared to traditional petroleum-based OASIS® Floral Foams. This is because OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is made from renewable plant-based materials instead of relying on petroleum/fossil fuels extracted from the earth. Additionally, in markets where trash is incinerated with energy recovery, OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is carbon neutral.
Does the production of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam contribute to deforestation or habitat destruction?
No. We can confirm we are not using plant materials resulting from deforestation, clear-cutting of wild lands, etc. The specific sourcing of plant-based materials cannot be shared due to intellectual property restrictions.
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint of a product measures greenhouse gas emissions from the extraction of raw materials (cradle) to disposal (grave). Our carbon footprint analysis includes feedstocks (raw materials), upstream transportation (transporting raw materials to production facilities), manufacturing, packaging, downstream transportation (transporting product to customers) and end-of-life (different types of disposal). All carbon footprint analyses for OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam and petroleum-based OASIS® Floral Foams were completed by nova-Institut, an independent, third-party agency.
Who is nova-Institut?
nova-Institut is an internationally recognized think tank specializing in defossilization and renewable carbon, delivering in-depth analyses and advice. They are an independent third-party organization who reviewed all steps and materials to complete the carbon footprint analyses for OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam and petroleum-based OASIS® Floral Foams.
What does “cradle to gate” mean for a carbon footprint?
“Cradle to gate” refers to all raw materials and production outputs for a product up to the point of distribution from the production facility.
What does “cradle to grave” mean for a carbon footprint?
“Cradle to grave” refers to the entire life cycle of a product - all raw materials, production outputs, transportation, and disposal.
How does the carbon footprint of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam compare to traditional OASIS® Floral Foams?
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam has a carbon footprint cradle to grave that is 56% lower than traditional petroleum-based OASIS® Floral Foams.
Why is the carbon footprint for OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam lower than for traditional OASIS® Floral Foams?
The carbon footprint is lower because OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is made from renewable plant-based materials instead of relying on petroleum/fossil fuels extracted from the earth.
Does the location of production and delivery impact the claim: "Cradle to grave, the carbon footprint of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is 56% lower than petroleum-based OASIS® Floral Foams"?
Emissions impacts are comparable for OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam and traditional OASIS® Floral Foams, since they travel the same distance. We did have the independent third-party agency evaluate the impacts of various transportation scenarios on carbon footprint in general, including shipment by sea and truck. The impact of those emissions on the entire carbon footprint of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam were minimal.
Is OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam carbon neutral?
In markets that incinerate waste and utilize energy recovery, OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is carbon neutral.
What does it mean to have energy recovery when incinerating waste?
Some countries incinerate waste, which generates energy that is used for heat and electricity. This process is commonly referred to as energy recovery or Waste to Energy (WtE).
Is OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam made from a renewable resource?
Yes. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is made from renewable plant-based materials.
What makes OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam sustainable?
Through a carbon footprint analysis conducted by a third-party organization, OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is shown to have a 56% reduction in carbon footprint cradle to grave as compared to traditional petroleum-based OASIS® Floral Foams. This is because OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is made from renewable plant-based materials instead of relying on petroleum/fossil fuels extracted from the earth. Additionally, in markets where trash is incinerated with energy recovery, OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is carbon neutral.
I live in California, U.S.A. Does OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam require a Prop 65 warning?
No. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam does not require a Prop 65 warning.
What is the significance of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam having OK biobased certification?
The OK biobased certification has been awarded by TÜV Austria, an independent third-party certifying agency. To achieve this certification, TÜV Austria had to verify and evaluate the full ingredient list. We have no influence on the outcome of TÜV Austria’s review and certification.
What does it mean for OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam to be certified OK biobased by TÜV Austria?
TÜV Austria is an independent third-party certifying agency. To achieve this certification, TÜV Austria had to verify and evaluate the full ingredient list. We have no influence on the outcome of TÜV Austria’s review and certification.
What does it mean for OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam to be certified 80%+ biobased by TÜV Austria?
TÜV Austria is an independent third-party certifying agency. To achieve a certification indicating biobased content greater than 80%, TÜV Austria had to verify and evaluate the full ingredient list. We have no influence on the outcome of TÜV Austria’s review and certification.
What does it mean for OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam to be certified biobased 4 stars by TÜV Austria?
TÜV Austria is an independent third-party certifying agency. Their highest possible biobased content rating is 4 stars, indicating biobased content greater than 80%. TÜV Austria had to verify and evaluate the full ingredient list. We have no influence on the outcome of TÜV Austria’s review and certification.
Who is TÜV Austria?
TÜV Austria is an independent third-party certifying agency whose certifications, including OK biobased, are recognized worldwide. TÜV Austria commits to “bring safety, quality, innovation, environmental protection and entrepreneurial interests to a common denominator...with customized services in the areas of testing, inspection, cyber security, data protection and certification as well as training and further education.”
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam Product Usage and Performance FAQS
Does OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam perform like traditional OASIS® Floral Foams?
Yes. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is designed to match the performance of traditional OASIS® Floral Foams.
How do you saturate OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam saturates like traditional OASIS® Floral Foam. Fill a large basin with clean water. Add FloraLife® Flower Food to the water at the proper dosage to maximize flower life. Place the foam on the water’s surface and let it saturate naturally. Do not force the foam under the water! The fully saturated foam will be visibly wet throughout. Remove the saturated foam and begin your design work.
How long does it take to saturate a brick of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
The average saturation time for a single brick of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is 45 seconds to 2 minutes. We have found that saturation time can lengthen as the foam ages. We presume this is related to the plant-based materials. Older foam could possibly take 3-5 minutes to saturate, though that isn’t always the case. Regardless of the soaking time, the performance of the foam remains the same.
Why does the saturation time vary?
The saturation time can vary based on the age of foam. Regardless of the soaking time, the performance of the foam remains the same.
How much water can a brick of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam hold?
A brick of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam can hold 1.5-2.0 liters of water, which is comparable to traditional OASIS® Floral Foams.
Can you use FloraLife® Flower Food with OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
Yes. We recommend using FloraLife® Flower Food with OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam. For best results, we recommend adding it to the water in your saturation bin at the proper dosage to optimize flower life.
Do I have to use flower food with OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
No, but using FloraLife® Flower Food is recommended to optimize your flower arrangements.
What is the average flower life when using OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
Average flower life using OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is 7 days. This measurement is based on repeated tests using a wide variety of flowers in a controlled environment. It is important to note that flower life can vary depending on the type and freshness of the flowers, refrigeration of the flowers, cleanliness of containers, soaking bins and tools, and the quality of your water. Average life of foliage used as filler is 4-5 days. As a general good practice, we recommend regularly cleaning your containers, tools and soaking bins, using good quality water, and including FloraLife® Flower Food in your water at the proper dosage while saturating. For maximum flower and foliage life, use OASIS® Floral Foam Maxlife.
Does OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam cause stem burn?
Generally speaking, soft stem flowers are more susceptible to stem discoloration. Stem burn in OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is comparable to that in traditional OASIS® Floral Foams.
What does “one foam fits all” mean?
This phrase means OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is versatile and suitable for a wide range of stem types and floral designs. You do not have to purchase different densities or “flavors” of floral foam to accommodate the various stems you use. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam will accept all stem types and maintain a firm grip.
Why don’t you offer OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam in different densities/flavors?
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is versatile and suitable for a wide range of stem types and floral designs. You do not have to purchase different densities or “flavors” of floral foam to accommodate the various stems you use. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam will accept all stem types and maintain a firm grip.
What types of stems are best for OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
This foam is versatile and suitable for a wide range of stem types, from delicate or hollow stems to woody or stalk-like stems. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam will accept all stem types and maintain a firm grip.
Do I have to create special storage for OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam since it is plant-based?
No. Just like traditional OASIS® Floral Foams, we recommend storing the foam in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Although it is plant-based, standard storage conditions are sufficient. If exposed to light over an extended period of time, the foam can develop a brown cast, but it turns back to black when saturated and the performance is not impacted.
Will I be able to get OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam in shapes and articles?
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam was launched globally in brick form. Local business units are planning to add shapes and articles that fit their markets. If you are seeking a specific shape, please notify your local OASIS® Floral Products salesperson.
How will customers know that the arrangement is made with a biobased foam?
They won’t know unless you tell them! We recommend talking with your local OASIS® Floral Foam salesperson to discuss ways you can promote this foam in your shop.
Can I cut OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
Yes. You can cut OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam wet or dry.
What is OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam’s rate of drainage as compared to traditional OASIS® Floral Foam?
The drainage rate of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is comparable to traditional OASIS® Floral Foams.
What is the pH of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam as compared to traditional OASIS® Floral Foam?
The pH of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is within the normal range.
Are there any types of flowers that should not be used with OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
No. You can use all types of flowers and foliage when designing with OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam.
Do I have to cut stems any particular way when using OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
Standard floral practices apply. Cutting stems at a 45-degree angle delivers the best entry into the foam.
Is OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam toxic?
No. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is non-toxic.
Will the darker debris in the soaking water or the OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam itself stain containers, materials, or fabrics?
No. We have not experienced any staining from OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam or its water.
I noticed something that looked like mold growth on the OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam I designed in after a week. What is it?
We have conducted testing on the mold formation that sometimes occurs on OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam at an independent laboratory (Ohio State University, U.S.A.), which found it to be similar to the types of mold that form on bread. This is a result of the natural breakdown over time of the plant-based materials used to make OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam. The mold does not negatively impact the flowers, as it only sits on the surface of the floral foam.
Is there a way to reduce the development of mold growth on OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
As a general good practice, we recommend regularly cleaning your containers, tools and soaking bins, using good quality water, and including FloraLife® Flower Food at the proper dosage in the water while saturating.
Am I in danger as a result of any mold growth on OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
The occasional molds identified by the independent laboratory are non-toxic.
Will OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam mold more, less, or the same as traditional petroleum-based OASIS® Floral Foams?
Due to the plant-based content, the materials used to make OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam are more likely to develop mold over time. Cleaning your containers, soaking bins and tools, using good quality water, and including FloraLife® Flower Food in your water while saturating will all help reduce the development of mold over time.
Do I have to wear gloves when using OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
No. You do not need to wear gloves when using OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam.
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam Disposal / End of Life FAQS
Are there any end-of-life claims for the disposal of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam?
All end-of-life claims require testing and certification through independent laboratories and third-party agencies. This process can take 3 years. Smithers-Oasis will not make claims that are speculative or not supported by data. Further, we seek certification through a third-party when possible. We are running a broad range of end-of-life tests with independent laboratories. Until the testing and certification processes are complete, we recommend disposing of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam in your standard trash bin.
Is OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam biodegradable?
A biodegradable claim requires testing and certification through independent laboratories and third-party agencies. This process can take 3 years. Smithers-Oasis will not make claims that are speculative or not supported by data. Further, we seek certification through a third-party when possible. Testing for a claim of “biodegradable” is currently in process.
Is OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam compostable?
A compostable claim requires testing and certification through independent laboratories and third-party agencies. This process can take 3 years. Smithers-Oasis will not make claims that are speculative or not supported by data. Further, we seek certification through a third-party when possible. Testing for a claim of “compostable” - both home and industrial - is currently in process.
Is OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam recyclable?
A recycling claim requires testing and certification through independent laboratories and third-party agencies. This process can take 3 years. Smithers-Oasis will not make claims that are speculative or not supported by data. Further, we seek certification through a third-party when possible. Testing for a claim of “recyclable” is currently in process.
Why can’t OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam be composted if it is plant-based?
The claim of “compostable” has specific requirements on the amount of degradation within a clear time parameter. Many natural things (large trees, fallen leaves, landscaping debris, etc.) will degrade, however they may not meet the required parameters of a compostable claim. A compostable claim requires testing and certification through independent laboratories and third-party agencies. This process can take 3 years. Smithers-Oasis will not make claims that are speculative or not supported by data. Further, we seek certification through a third-party when possible. Testing for a claim of “compostable” - both home and industrial - is currently in process.
Since it is plant-based, can OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam be composted at home or in industrial composting facilities?
The claim of “compostable” has specific requirements on the amount of degradation within a clear time parameter. Many natural things (large trees, fallen leaves, landscaping debris, etc.) will degrade, however they may not meet the required parameters of a compostable claim. A compostable claim requires testing and certification through independent laboratories and third-party agencies. This process can take 3 years. Smithers-Oasis will not make claims that are speculative or not supported by data. Further, we seek certification through a third-party when possible. Testing for a claim of “compostable” - both home and industrial - is currently in process.
Aren’t biobased and biodegradable the same thing?
No. These are two different claims. “Biobased” is an upstream (ingredient) claim. “Biodegradable” is a downstream (end-of-life) claim. They are not interchangeable. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam has been certified biobased by an independent third-party organization. Testing for a claim of “biodegradable” is currently in process with an independent laboratory and third-party certifying agency. This process can take 3 years.
I notice black particles in my soaking bin after saturating OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam. Can they go down the drain?
Yes. They can go down the drain. Particles will be removed in water processing plants, whose processes vary by municipality.