How to Work with Floral Wool® – A Trade Florist’s Guide
As floristry continues to evolve, more professionals are embracing sustainable practices across their designs. If you’ve been wanting to move away from floral foam but haven’t found the right alternative, Floral Wool® offers a natural, functional, and trade-tested solution. This guide breaks down how to use Floral Wool®, what to expect when switching over, and how it compares to traditional mediums, so you can shop with confidence.
Understanding the Product
Floral Wool® is a spongy, fibrous block made from basalt mineral rock fibres. It’s designed to retain moisture, hold stems upright, and be shaped to fit any vessel or armature. As a bonus, it’s 100% biodegradable, home-compostable, and plastic-free - even the film wrap is biodegradable!
How to Use Floral Wool® in a Professional Setting
Step 1: Hydrate the Wool Block
Soak Floral Wool® in clean water for 30–60 seconds. Unlike foam, it may need gentle squeezing to fully saturate. Once soaked, it behaves similarly to floral foam in terms of holding fresh stems.
Step 2: Cut or Shape as Needed
Use a floral knife or shears to cut the wool to size. It can be compressed into unusual vessel shapes, cages, or bound with twine into bundles for installations.
Step 3: Secure and Style
Depending on your setup, you can pair the wool with chicken wire or mesh for large-scale installs, or place it directly into trays or bowls for tabletop arrangements. It holds structure well but benefits from a stable container.
Step 4: Dispose Sustainably
After the event, compost the used Floral Wool®—or offer it to clients as part of your sustainable service messaging. Unlike foam, it won’t leave behind harmful microplastics.
Pro Tips for Trade Florists
- Great for Educational Workshops: Teaches students foam-free techniques.
- Appealing to Venues: Many venues now request zero plastic waste from floral teams.
- Neutral Colour: Blends well with organic and rustic palettes.
- Improves Brand Perception: Eco-conscious materials resonate with younger consumers and event planners.
When to Use vs. Avoid
Use Floral Wool® for:
- Fresh flower work
- Environmentally focused installations
- Clients with green values
- Outdoor events with limited disposal options
Avoid Floral Wool® when:
- Working exclusively with heavy stems without support wire
Floral Wool® is not just a trend—it’s a future-focused tool that helps florists align with changing customer expectations and environmental standards. By adding this product to your toolkit, you’ll position your business as a sustainability leader while unlocking new creative possibilities. If you’re serious about reducing single-use plastics and updating your design methods, this product will help you make that shift with confidence.