What party would be without balloons? But only if they are “green,” biodegradable and sustainable!
Gemar, an outstanding Italian company and one of the world leaders in producing latex balloons, knows this well. Having to deal with regulations for the protection of the environment, the company has focused on seeking innovation, starting from the choice of raw materials. Such materials must be wholly microplastic-free and come from forests certified according to international parameters that comply 100% with the FSC standard. In addition, the production processes use 90 per cent renewable energy sources.
Over a century of history
Although it may not be immediately apparent to associate Made in Italy with balloons, Gemar’s story begins exactly120 years ago, when Angelo Rocca, born in 1884, left Casalvieri (FR) when he was only 4 years old and emigrated to France with his parents to help a relative produce and sell balloons as a peddler.
Thus, Angelo began learning to make balloons as a child. At the time, balloons were a novelty in high demand. At 18, he returned to Lazio, in Casalvieri, where he opened Italy’s first factory for the artisan production of natural rubber balloons.
The Fifties and industrial production
In 1953, Genesio, Angelo’s son, founded the Genesio Rocca Company for the industrial production of natural latex balloons (100 per cent biodegradable) and, investing in technology, further increased production through the moulding process.
But it will be Angelo Rocca, Genesio’s son and grandson of the founder, who will start Gemar in 1990, becoming a leader in the balloon industry and a pioneer in finding solutions, shapes and colours for durable balloons from sustainable supply chains.
The numbers of a leader
Today, Gemar’s balloons bring joy and enliven parties in as many as fifty countries on five continents. The company has maintained production in Italy at its Casalvieri plant, where one hundred and fifty employees work, and as many as six and a half million balloons are produced daily.
Turnover is about 60 million euros. After the boom of the COVID-19 years, the closure of some strategic markets such as Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East have weighed on exports. However, the company is targeting new areas in which to grow.
Collaboration with artists
Finally, one cannot forget the collaboration with artists, which is Gemar’s pride. Recently, the company collaborated with artist Marco Lodola, who used Gemar balloons as frames for his works and incorporated them as a constituent element of his art.
Copngratulations to those who bring the joy and creativity of Made in Italy balloons to the world.
Learn about other Made in Italy outstanding companies from Lazio.