As interior crew on luxury yachts we continuously seek ways to balance aesthetics, practicality, and sustainability. Bio-preserved flowers have emerged as an alternative to fresh blooms, these are real flowers that undergo a treatment process to maintain their appearance for months without the need for water or daily care. While bio-preserved floral arrangements offer certain advantages, it’s essential to weigh the full picture—including their benefits, potential limitations, and environmental impact—before deciding whether they are the right choice for your yacht.

What are bio-preserved flowers?

Bio-preserved flowers, also known as stabilized or preserved flowers, are real blooms that have been treated to retain their softness and colour. Unlike dried flowers, which can become brittle and faded, preserved flowers maintain a fresh-cut look and feel. This preservation process typically involves replacing the flower’s natural moisture with a plant-based solution that keeps the petals supple and vibrant for months. The goal is to extend the lifespan of natural flowers while reducing the maintenance and waste associated with fresh arrangements.

The advantages of bio-preserved flowers onboard

For yacht interiors, preserved flowers present several appealing benefits:

• Extended longevity: Fresh-cut flowers typically last about a week before wilting, requiring frequent replacements. In contrast, high-quality preserved flowers can maintain their beauty for months, potentially lasting an entire year before showing signs of age.
• Low maintenance: Unlike fresh flowers, preserved arrangements do not require water, trimming, or frequent attention. This eliminates the need for floral foam, reducing mess and freeing up time for stews to focus on other essential tasks.
• Hypoallergenic qualities: Fresh flowers can trigger allergies due to pollen and strong fragrances. Many preserved flowers have minimal or no scent, and the preservation process often removes pollen, making them a practical choice for guests who may be sensitive to fresh flowers.
• Potential sustainability benefits: Because preserved flowers last longer, they may reduce the frequency of shipments needed for fresh arrangements, potentially lowering carbon emissions associated with transport and refrigeration.

Considerations and limitations

While preserved flowers offer practical advantages, there are factors to consider before fully transitioning away from fresh arrangements:

• Limited natural scent: While some high-end preserved flowers retain a light fragrance or have scent added, they do not offer the full aromatic experience of fresh blooms, which many guests appreciate as part of the luxury yachting experience.
• Higher upfront cost: While preserved flowers last longer, their initial cost is often higher than fresh arrangements. However, the long-term savings on replacements balance this expense over time.
• Guest preference: Some guests will request certain flowers or fresh flowers only. If there is a last-minute request it can be hard to get to bio-preserved flowers quickly.
• Suitability for outdoor use: Preserved flowers are best suited for indoor environments. Exposure to direct sunlight, or salt air can shorten their lifespan, it is recommended to bring them indoors in the evenings and when not being used.

Fresh vs. preserved: weighing the environmental impact

When considering the sustainability of floral arrangements, both fresh and preserved flowers have environmental trade-offs:

• Fresh flowers: Require significant water, fertilizers, and pesticides during cultivation. Many yacht flowers are imported, involving carbon-intensive cold-chain logistics and frequent air transport. Additionally, fresh flowers have a short lifespan, leading to regular waste.
• Preserved flowers: Reduce the need for weekly shipments and water usage but may involve chemical treatments during preservation. The sustainability of preserved flowers depends on the specific methods used and whether they are sourced responsibly, check the supplier is using a 100% plant based solution.

Finding a balanced approach

Rather than an all-or-nothing decision, many yachts find success in incorporating a mix of fresh and preserved flowers. For example, preserved flowers can be used for long-lasting interior arrangements, while fresh flowers may still be preferred for special events or outdoor settings where their scent and vibrancy shine.

Whether choosing bio-preserved flowers, fresh arrangements, or a combination of both, the key is selecting high-quality, responsibly sourced blooms that align with the yacht’s needs and sustainability goals.