SUSTAINABILITY PRODUCTS

In time for the highly anticipated movie release in July, Rubies’ new Miraculous Ladybug Green Collection dress-up is ideal for families looking to balance conscious purchasing choices with the fun of costumes. Featuring the classic red and black print jumpsuit and a fabric eye mask, all made from recycled plastic bottles (excusive of trim) the products are machine washable, thus extending the life of the product.

Amscan’s sustainable tableware comprises natural polymer coated plates, compostable napkins and reusable cutlery to mix and match into any celebration.

Hootyballoo’s Eco Rainbow collection comprises sustainable paper cups, plates, napkins and straws.

Hootyballoo’s Eco Rainbow Happy Birthday paper napkins come in packs of 16.

Gemar manufactures 100% FSC balloons, ensuring responsible forest management and the use of renewable resources. This certification not only promotes the use of renewable resources and biodiversity, but it also provides assurance to the people and communities who work on the rubber plantations.

Gemar balloons are 100% bio-based, meaning they are derived from renewable sources, so they have a lower environmental impact and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Eco Rainbow range from Hootyballoo also features décor including banners, balloons and cake toppers.

Hootyballoo’s best-selling Eco Rainbow range is completely plastic and foiling free. Whilst the packaging and products themselves are all fully recyclable too.

Looking for something generic? Amscan’s sustainable tableware could be just the thing and its available in 18 colours.

Unique recognises how important it is to reduce its carbon footprint, and to provide environmentally sustainable products – The Eco tableware ranges consist of reusable cutlery, re-usable plastic table covers and recently added plastic free plates. Unique is fully committed to ensuring it provides exciting and safe products that generate less waste. More Eco products will be added soon.

to get into costume for a bit of escapism from the everyday.”

Post-pandemic, some have reported stronger sales in this category as consumers savour time spent together. Sophie Greenbank, product manager at Amscan, expands: “Post Covid, we are seeing a push towards consumers buying costumes and accessories for memorable experiences and events, such as festivals, the darts and concerts.

“Even though they are cutting back on spending where needed, consumers are still using these events as an opportunity to buy key and iconic stand-out costumes so that they make a statement and fully immerse themselves in the day. Stand-out products would

There is a range of opportunities throughout the year for group costumes, from hen and stag parties, to festivals, to Halloween and beyond. Licensed and non-licensed options both do well in this sector, with the group mentality strong when it comes to fancy dress. PPE sits down with some of the major players in the category to find out what’s hot for groups.

Although budgets may be stretched further than usual at the moment, suppliers are still reporting strong sales in group costumes. A sense of camaraderie, belonging and strength come from joining together and dressing up to party.

Peter Silver,

head of sales at Rubies, comments: “Festivals, stag and hen dos, Harry Styles on tour and the summer season bring with it a wealth of opportunities for friends and family to coordinate their dress-up for fun events. Even if consumers are cutting back their spending on a broader scale, we all love a good chance be feather boas due to the excitement around iconic pop stars tours.”

Elliott Peckett, director, Smiffys tells us: “Group costumes remain a strong trend for us, especially throughout summer. As celebrations and partying continues throughout the summer for hen and stag dos, festivals and parties, themed costumes help groups to stand out from the crowd.”

Old school themes are doing well this year, as well as more costeffective options. Elliott continues: “In our high street stores, and from content we have seen across our socials, classic themes such as 80s tracksuits, Pink Ladies and our Stand Out Suit collection remain popular.”

Peter agrees: “Key trends and licences follow the broader pop culture trend of nostalgia, especially with Barbie, while stag and hen dos tend to prefer generic costumes and accessories to complete the look, with Teletubbies being a fan favourite with adult groups.

“On top of all this, streaming and theatrical releases will also influence consumers, the most popular of those at the moment as we look towards Halloween will be Wednesday, with the Nevermore Academy uniform dress-up.”

For those who are looking to spend less, but still create that group atmosphere, accessories are the way forward. Elliott says: “As a more cost-conscious alternative, groups are choosing matching accessories, such as themed hats or wigs, mixed with their own clothes or DIY costumes; something we have seen with our student customers consistently for years, which is now becoming more mainstream.

“Our brightly coloured, embellished cowboy hats are an on-trend alternative to a full group costume for hen parties and festivals. These affordable accessories allow customers to create a western look instantly, with the added bonus of being able to spot your friends in a crowd.”

Alongside the retro themes, there are some key new licences appearing which lend themselves particularly well to group situations. Sergio Battaner, sales and marketing director of Palmer Agencies explains: “Barbie, the Movie costumes are part of Palmer Agencies’ offer for the year. The must-have costumes are part of the InSpirit Designs portfolio and at Palmer Agencies, we are thrilled to have such an outstanding and iconic licence.

“Many of our customers are ordering the male/female combination we offer, but, the stand-alone group costume is the female Barbie Pink Adult Jumpsuit – you’ll have to see the movie to see all the different Barbies with the same jumpsuit. Don’t delay ordering – these costumes are very very much in demand.”

Non-licensed options are a key part of the group costume line-up too. Sophie continues: “Our Lobster Adult Costume is a best seller as consumers are opting for funny costumes to help lighten the mood. As we are seeing this trend thrive, we plan to add more of these novelty dress-up items to the range to maximise this opportunity. Watch this space.” desire of the end consumer’s event.

Top: Classic group themes such as the 80s tracksuits are popular for Smiffys.

Above: Retro licences such as Pink Ladies and Grease are still strong for Smiffys.

Left: Rubies’ Wednesday costumes have something for fans of all ages. With the recent trend for matching costumes for friends, couples and families, this collection is ideal for the spookiest night of the year. The Nevermore Academy uniform costumes are available for adults and children and feature a Thing shoulder sitter.

Far left: Available in four sizes, the Barbie, the Movie Pink Adult Jumpsuit from Palmer Agencies are displayed in a hanger bag with insert and include jumpsuit with printed Barbie logo, and matching headband. Barbie is set to be a key group costume choice for Palmer Agencies as the much-anticipated movie launches this summer.

This year has seen some very famous christening and gender reveals as the excitement ahead of a new baby, and the celebration of new arrivals, have become almost a rite of passage for expectant parents. PPE finds out the latest trends for the events from some of the key suppliers in the category.