This briefing covers the plastic packaging rules and EPR programs that apply to a foil balloon program, and the material choice that can change a program's classification. The standards we hold for the compostable line are EN71 (SGS report SHTY130500007975-01), RoHS (EU) 2015/863 (SGS report SHAHG2207652301), and ISO 14855-1:2012 (SGS report SHMR220700361301). We do not hold ASTM D6400, BPI, EN 13432, ASTM D6866, OECD 208, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ASTM F963, REACH, US CPSIA, California Prop 65, US CONEG, or FSC documentation. For a program that requires one of those, tell us up front and we will confirm whether it can be arranged.
For Brand Owners
How a plastic packaging tax and an EPR program apply to a foil balloon program, and how the material choice changes the classification.
For Procurement Teams
The three SGS reports we hold for the compostable line, the film structure, and the storage and transit parameters for a program.
A conventional Mylar balloon is a multi-layer petrochemical film. That material profile now sits inside plastic packaging tax and EPR programs in several markets. For an importer, the question is not only the unit price of the balloon but the total landed cost, which now includes packaging tax exposure. A compostable PLA-PBAT film changes the material classification, and that can change the tax treatment of a program. This briefing covers the main regulatory mechanisms, the film structure, the SGS reports we hold, and the storage and transit parameters that apply to a compostable program.
1. The Regulatory Shift in Global Sourcing
Governments in the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and parts of Asia-Pacific have introduced single-use plastic rules that apply to novelty products. A conventional petroleum-based foil balloon, which uses a multi-layer PET film with an aluminum metallization layer, is difficult to recycle. That material profile now sits inside packaging tax and EPR programs in several markets.
For an enterprise buyer, a retail category manager, or a compliance officer, the regulatory shift creates two questions. First, what does the applicable program require of an importer? Second, what material profile can a supplier document? A verified compostable film changes the material classification, which can change the tax treatment of a program. The classification and fee for a given product are confirmed at quotation stage against the applicable program rules.
At Kunshan Fair Craft Products Co., Ltd. (FAIR), we run a compostable line alongside the traditional line. This briefing sets out the main regulatory mechanisms, the film structure, and the reports we hold for the compostable line.
2. Global Regulatory Landscape: Main Programs
The table below sets out the main programs that apply to a foil balloon program. The figures quoted are as of publication and are subject to change. A program should confirm the current rule before it ships into a market.
| Program | What it requires | Effect on a foil balloon program |
|---|---|---|
| EU Single-Use Plastics Directive | Directive (EU) 2019/904 sets EPR obligations for certain single-use items and requires member states to enforce them. A national transposition varies by country. | A foil balloon falls into an EPR category in some member states. The classification and fee for a given product are confirmed at quotation stage against the destination country's rules. |
| UK Plastic Packaging Tax | A per-tonne charge on plastic packaging manufactured in or imported into the UK that contains less than a threshold percentage of recycled plastic by weight. The rate and threshold are set by HMRC and change over time. | A multi-layer virgin polymer film falls into the taxed category. A compostable film may qualify for a different classification. Confirm the current HMRC guidance before quoting. |
| California SB 54 | The Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act sets source reduction and recyclability or compostability targets for covered packaging and single-use items in California, and applies EPR fees through a Producer Responsibility Organization. | A non-recyclable multi-layer composite falls into a higher fee class. A compostable film may qualify for a more favorable class. The classification for a given product is confirmed at quotation stage. |
| California AB 847 (conductive materials) | Regulates conductive decorative materials in high fire-threat districts and establishes civil liability for a release event. | Applies to a metallized foil balloon in the covered districts. A program that ships into California should confirm the tether and weight requirements. See our conductivity and safety guide. |
The classification of a product under a packaging tax or EPR program depends on the material profile and the destination market. A compostable film changes the profile. The applicable classification and fee for a given product are confirmed at quotation stage against the current program rules. See our sourcing economics and plastic tax briefing for detail.
3. Film Structure: What the Compostable Line Is Made Of
A compostable balloon film has to meet two requirements at once. It has to act as a gas barrier during the retention window, and it has to be accessible to microbial and hydrolytic degradation once it enters a managed waste stream. That is a materials problem, not a marketing claim. For the barrier mechanism, see the PLA-PBAT whitepaper.
Our compostable line uses a co-extruded PLA-PBAT film. Polylactic acid (PLA) is derived from renewable plant feedstock such as corn starch or sugarcane. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) is a compostable copolyester that provides flexibility and impact resistance. The film uses a mineral filler dispersion in the core layer to slow helium migration, and a controlled die geometry at the seam to reduce seam-based gas loss. The blend ratio, layer thickness, and helium transmission rate for a given film grade are confirmed at quotation stage.
| Layer | Function | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Outer lacquer | Scratch resistance and a printable surface. | Water-based; thickness and grade confirmed at quotation stage. |
| Printing ink layer | Multi-color graphics. | Water-based pigment system; RoHS coverage on the tested sample under SGS report SHAHG2207652301. |
| Core layer | Barrier and mechanical strength. | PLA-PBAT matrix with mineral filler dispersion; specification confirmed at quotation stage. |
| Sealant layer | Heat-sealable inner surface. | Controlled die geometry at the seam; seam width and weld specification confirmed at quotation stage. |
A single-layer PLA film without a co-extruded structure and without a barrier layer does not hold helium well. A buyer should specify the co-extruded structure in the contract, and request the helium transmission rate and retention window data for the specific SKU.
4. Industrial Composting: The Intended End-of-Life Pathway
A compostable film is designed for a managed composting environment. An industrial composting facility holds a thermophilic temperature range and a managed moisture level, which is what accelerates the hydrolysis of the PLA-PBAT film. In an open environment, the same film degrades more slowly. That distinction is the part a retail program should communicate to its end customer.
The specific report we hold for the compostable line is ISO 14855-1:2012 under SGS report number SHMR220700361301. The report covers a PLA degrading balloon sample tested under controlled industrial composting conditions. Test material average biodegradation was 77.8% within a 45-day test period. ISO 14855-1:2012 is a distinct standard from EN 13432. See our SGS report coverage page for detail.
Test conditions
The report covers a controlled industrial composting environment with a managed thermophilic temperature range and controlled moisture. The exact test conditions are listed in the report.
Test result
Test material average biodegradation was 77.8% within a 45-day test period. Coverage of a specific SKU is confirmed at quotation stage.
Standard held
ISO 14855-1:2012. This is the standard we hold. It is distinct from EN 13432.
Home composting
A home compost pile usually does not reach the sustained thermophilic temperature the process requires, so the film degrades much more slowly than in an industrial facility. The compostable line is designed for an industrial composting facility.
5. Storage, Shelf Life, and Ocean Transit
Because the film is hydrolytically sensitive, storage conditions matter. A warehouse that is warm and humid ages the film faster than a climate-controlled one. Keep bulk stock within the temperature and humidity range set for the specific film grade, and keep the moisture-barrier bag sealed until the product is ready for use. The temperature range, humidity limit, and shelf-life window for a given order are confirmed at quotation stage.
For ocean transit, our packing protocol uses a moisture-barrier master bag with a heat-sealed closure and a desiccant pack inside each carton. For a high-volume order on an equatorial route during the summer months, we can coordinate a temperature-controlled reefer container. The packing and container configuration for a given order are confirmed at quotation stage. For booking and customs background, see our shipping and storage FAQ.
FAIR is a member of the Pro Environment Balloon Alliance and supports the alliance's code of conduct on balloon releases. No balloon, including a compostable bioplastic balloon, should be released into the environment. The environmental benefit of the compostable line is realized through a managed waste stream. See our PEBA compliance guide.
6. Material Comparison: Compostable Film vs. Legacy Film
The table below sets out the parameters a procurement team should compare. The specification for a given order is confirmed at quotation stage.
| Parameter | Compostable PLA-PBAT | Legacy PET + Al (Mylar) |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial composting coverage | Covered under ISO 14855-1:2012 (SGS report SHMR220700361301); SKU coverage confirmed at quotation stage | Not covered |
| Retention window | Confirmed at quotation stage | Longer window; confirmed at quotation stage |
| Chemical restriction coverage | RoHS (EU) 2015/863 coverage on the tested sample (SGS report SHAHG2207652301); SKU coverage confirmed at quotation stage | Material profile varies by supplier |
| End-of-life profile | Designed for industrial composting | Persists in the environment for a long period; fragments into microplastics |
| Packaging tax classification | May qualify for a different classification; confirmed at quotation stage | Higher fee class under some EPR programs |
7. Sourcing Notes: MOQ, Lead Time, and Inspection
We do not operate on fixed, published unit pricing or static minimum order quantities. The parameters below are set for each program and are confirmed at quotation stage.
MOQ
The MOQ for a given design depends on the shape, the print, and the tooling. It is confirmed at quotation stage.
Lead time
Sample lead time and production lead time are quoted separately. Both are confirmed at quotation stage.
Batch inspection
Samples from each finished batch are held under pressure for a controlled inspection window before packing. The inspection window and pass criteria for a given order are confirmed at quotation stage.
Documentation
EN71 (SHTY130500007975-01), RoHS (SHAHG2207652301), and ISO 14855-1:2012 (SHMR220700361301) coverage of a specific SKU is confirmed at quotation stage.
8. Test Reports: What We Have and What We Do Not
Test reports we hold:
- EN71 — SGS report number SHTY130500007975-01. Coverage: foil balloon sample, EN71 Parts 1, 2, and 3. Coverage of a specific SKU is confirmed at quotation stage. See our EN71 coverage page.
- RoHS (EU) 2015/863 — SGS report number SHAHG2207652301. Coverage: tested DEGRADING BALLOON sample. The report documents restriction testing for lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBBs, and certain phthalate plasticizers. Coverage of a specific SKU is confirmed at quotation stage. See our RoHS coverage page.
- Biodegradation (ISO 14855-1:2012) — SGS report number SHMR220700361301. Coverage: PLA degrading balloon sample under controlled industrial composting conditions. Test material average biodegradation 77.8% within a 45-day test period. ISO 14855-1:2012 is a distinct standard from EN 13432. See our SGS report coverage page.
- PEBA member — Pro Environment Balloon Alliance member. See our PEBA compliance guide.
Certifications and test reports we do NOT hold:
- ISO 9001 — not held
- ISO 14001 — not held
- EN 13432 — not held. The report we hold for the biodegradable line is ISO 14855-1:2012, which is a distinct standard.
- ASTM D6400 — not held
- BPI — not held
- ASTM D6866 — not held
- OECD 208 — not held
- ASTM F1980 — not held
- ASTM F963 — not held
- REACH — not held
- US CPSIA — not held
- California Prop 65 — not held
- US CONEG — not held
- FSC — not held for the balloon line
9. Compliance FAQ
Requesting a landed cost estimate, test report copies, or a quotation for a compostable balloon program?
Email xia@foilballoon.cnResponse within one business day · Sample service available
About FAIR — Kunshan Fair Craft Products Co., Ltd.
FAIR is a balloon manufacturer based in Kunshan, China, producing foil balloons, custom shaped foil balloons, PLA-based biodegradable foil balloons, and custom printed balloon products for global brands, event companies, retail chains, and wholesale novelty distributors. For inquiries: xia@foilballoon.cn