The Explosive Truth About Fireworks: What Consumers Are Demanding from Brands on Sustainability
November 2024, by Katie Brown
Fireworks have been a part of celebrations for centuries, lighting up the night sky with their vibrant colours and thrilling explosions. But as environmental concerns continue to grow, it’s important to ask: are fireworks sustainable? By looking at the following areas: Material, Method, Environmental Impact, and Innovation—we can take a closer look at the sustainability of fireworks and explore what greener alternatives might look like in the future.
What Are Fireworks Made Of?
Traditional fireworks are made using a combination of chemicals and metals that produce the colourful effects we see. Metals like barium, copper, and strontium are responsible for the colours, but they also release harmful pollutants into the environment when fireworks explode. These chemicals can contaminate the air and water, posing risks to human health and ecosystems. In recent years, there has been some progress in developing “eco-friendly” fireworks, which use fewer toxic compounds. However, these alternatives are still in their early stages and haven’t yet been widely adopted.
From a consumer standpoint, this is increasingly concerning. Our Say Do Sustainability Study (SDSS) at MM-Eye has shown that more consumers are paying attention to the ecological impact of their entertainment choices and demanding greater transparency and innovation from companies that produce celebratory goods. This growing awareness has even led some communities to reconsider traditional fireworks displays in favour of more eco-friendly alternatives.
Manufacturing and Transportation: The Hidden Costs
The way fireworks are manufactured and transported also plays a role in their sustainability. Production often takes place in countries where safety and environmental regulations are less strict, and workers are exposed to hazardous conditions. The materials used in fireworks are often non-renewable, and transporting them long distances adds to their carbon footprint. To make fireworks more sustainable, manufacturers would need to focus on using safer materials, adopting better waste-reduction practices, and considering local production to cut down on emissions.
SDSS highlighted that consumers are increasingly prioritising brands that demonstrate social and environmental responsibility across their supply chains. Companies in the pyrotechnics industry have an opportunity to communicate how they are improving their manufacturing processes and minimising environmental harm to improve consumer perceptions.
The Environmental Toll of Fireworks
Fireworks have a significant environmental impact, especially when used on a large scale. When fireworks are set off, they release pollutants such as heavy metals, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter into the atmosphere. This is particularly concerning during major events when air quality can take a dramatic hit. Chemicals like perchlorates, used to stabilise the explosives, can also leach into water systems, posing risks to aquatic life and drinking water sources. We also need to think about the effect this has on wildlife and pets, the loud noises and bright flashes disturb animals, causing stress and disorientation. Consumers, particularly pet owners or wildlife enthusiasts, are increasingly vocal about these issues. This growing awareness has sparked a demand for less disruptive and more sustainable alternatives.
Innovations in Green Technology
The future of fireworks may not involve traditional fireworks at all. Innovations like drone light shows and laser displays are starting to emerge as alternatives that offer the same visual excitement without harmful environmental effects. Drone shows, in particular, have been gaining popularity at major events like the Olympics, where hundreds of drones are synchronised to create dazzling patterns and animations in the sky. These technologies, while still expensive, offer a promising alternative to traditional fireworks, and as they evolve, they could become a more accessible option. Consumers are receptive to creative, sustainable alternatives, especially if they offer a similar level of spectacle. As these technologies evolve and become more affordable, we anticipate that consumer demand will continue to push event organisers and municipalities toward these greener options.
Balancing Tradition and Sustainability
Fireworks have deep cultural significance and bring joy to millions of people, but it’s clear that their environmental impact is something we can’t ignore. By looking at fireworks through the MM-Eye lens, we can see that making them more sustainable is about more than just reducing emissions—it’s about rethinking the materials and the manufacturing process and exploring innovative alternatives. Combining eco-friendly materials, careful usage, and exciting new technologies like drones could allow us to enjoy these displays without harming the environment.
Ultimately, making fireworks sustainable will require balancing tradition with responsibility. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental trade-offs and are looking for brands and communities to take action. For businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity to align with consumer values.
At MM-Eye, we’re here to help brands understand and respond to these evolving consumer expectations. Our research and insights can guide you in making impactful, data-driven decisions. Whether you’re looking to implement greener practices or enhance your appeal through sustainability, reach out to us at info@mm-eye.com or use the form below to book a consultation. We’d love to discuss how our expertise can benefit your business.