Floral and hardgoods shortages continue to impact the floral industry. The shortages are prompting florists to further tap into their creative minds to work around the issues, in order to continue making beautiful bouquets, according to Dondi Richardson. Richardson is a senior designer at FloraCraft, a manufacturer of foam products for the floral industry, and shares how the supply and demand struggles are highlighting the benefits of new, innovative products.
Increased demand for floral designs
“Like floral arrangements, the cause of the floral supply shortage has multiple layers,” says Richardson. “Fresh flowers have been difficult to come by and well-loved products, like wet foam, have been difficult to find. Despite these supply shortages, the return of events has increased the demand for floral designs.” 
Dondi Richardson
Going back to basics
To get around this supply and demand struggle, florists have gone back to basics using an ‘old school’ technique: water picks and XPS foam (commonly referred to as styrofoam). Richardson explains: “It may seem outdated to insert flowers into foam with water picks, but some florists struggling to maintain an adequate stock of wet foam have successfully reverted to this retro technique. Fresh flowers can be used with XPS foam, by placing water picks directly into the foam, creating a useful alternative for floral arrangements.” 
Richardson explains that using a lightweight, yet sturdy XPS foam, like FloraCraft’s FloraFōM, makes it easy when cutting and fitting foam into any container while safely holding stems or water picks in place. “This method, in particular, is perfect when combining fresh flowers and permanent botanicals, like so many designers do these days.”
“Only XPS floral foam with post-consumer recycled plastic”
Richardson adds that users can rest easy, knowing FloraFōM is made in the United States and is the only XPS floral foam made with post-consumer recycled plastic. “The product saves hard-to-recycle plastics that often end up in landfills by using recycled plastic garment hangers from retailers. In addition to its versatility as a wet foam alternative, we’re continuing to find consumers want to use this product because it has been responsibly made, created with environmentally conscious materials and doesn’t pollute the water supply.”
“Uncertainty is the only constant”
“It would be nice to look into the proverbial crystal ball and foresee when the floral and hardgoods supply shortage will end. The reality is, uncertainty is the only constant at the moment. Even when supply and demand eventually even out, FloraFōM will continue to offer florists a quality alternative that is responsibly made and environmentally conscious. Until then, we continue to be inspired by florists everywhere who are tapping into their imagination to share beautiful, innovative designs.”
For more information:
FloraCraft
www.floracraft.com