OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam
Floral Foam, Reinvented
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam
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.
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 with ease, 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.
The look, feel, and performance you’ve come to trust from OASIS® Floral Foams - now in a plant-based floral foam, made with renewable resources.
With no dyes or colorants, OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam boasts 56% reduction in Carbon Footprint cradle to grave as compared to petroleum-based OASIS® Floral Foams.
20 bricks per case.
- Certified OK biobased by TÜV Austria
- Non-toxic
- One Foam Fits All
- Rich black color when wet
- Excellent flower life
- U.S. Patent Pending
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OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam
Frequently Asked Questions
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam Ingredient FAQS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plant-based means OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam’s primary components are derived from renewable plant materials.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is patent pending in the U.S.
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam Sustainability FAQS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Cradle to gate” refers to all raw materials and production outputs for a product up to the point of distribution from the production facility.
“Cradle to grave” refers to the entire life cycle of a product - all raw materials, production outputs, transportation, and disposal.
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam has a carbon footprint cradle to grave that is 56% lower than traditional petroleum-based 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.
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.
In markets that incinerate waste and utilize energy recovery, OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is carbon neutral.
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).
Yes. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is made from renewable plant-based materials.
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.
No. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam does not require a Prop 65 warning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Yes. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is designed to match the performance of traditional OASIS® Floral Foams.
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.
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.
The saturation time can vary based on the age of foam. Regardless of the soaking time, the performance of the foam remains the same.
A brick of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam can hold 1.5-2.0 liters of water, which is comparable to traditional OASIS® Floral Foams.
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.
No, but using FloraLife® Flower Food is recommended to optimize your flower arrangements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. You can cut OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam wet or dry.
The drainage rate of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is comparable to traditional OASIS® Floral Foams.
The pH of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is within the normal range.
No. You can use all types of flowers and foliage when designing with OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam.
Standard floral practices apply. Cutting stems at a 45-degree angle delivers the best entry into the foam.
No. OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam is non-toxic.
No. We have not experienced any staining from OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam or its water.
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.
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.
The occasional molds identified by the independent laboratory are non-toxic.
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.
No. You do not need to wear gloves when using OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam.
OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam Disposal / End of Life FAQS
Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply, and will be added at checkout. We run discounts and promotions all year, so stay tuned for exclusive deals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. They can go down the drain. Particles will be removed in water processing plants, whose processes vary by municipality.