How latex balloons are made
From rubber tree sap to packed balloons, here is the journey of a latex balloon.
Liquid latex from rubber trees
Natural latex is tapped from rubber trees as a milky liquid. This liquid is the raw material every latex balloon starts from.
Mixing and colouring
The latex is mixed with curing agents and pigments. Pigments decide the final shade, from deep solid colours to soft pastels.
Dipping the formers
Balloon-shaped formers travel on a chain through a coagulant bath and then through liquid latex. A thin, even film of latex builds up on each former.
Shaping the rim
Rollers curl the top of the latex film into the lip you inflate the balloon through.
Drying and curing
Ovens heat the film until the latex vulcanizes. Cross-linking molecules turn the sticky film into a stretchy, strong balloon.
Stripping and washing
The finished balloons are pulled off the formers and washed to remove residues.
Printing
Logos and text are printed onto the balloons. Our printing machine handles up to 3 colours in-house.
Quality checks
Each batch is checked before it leaves the factory.
Packing
Balloons are counted and packed loose for bulk supply or in retail packs.