Party Splendour uses and recommends ‘Qualatex’ balloons. Qualatex latex balloons are 100% latex. Latex balloons are made from the natural product latex, which is collected from the Hovea tree (rubber tree) that usually grows in plantations in the tropics. Latex harvesting does not hurt the tree. A tree can produce latex for up to 40 years. The latex is treated with curing agents, accelerators, oil and water. Pigments, both organic and inorganic, are added to the latex to provide us with a vast range of colours. These balloons are 100% BIODEGRADABLE thus they are environmentally friendly. In fact the balloon will decompose at the same rate as an oak leaf. Balloons were invented in 1824.