Eco-Friendly Gel Blasters: Biodegradable Ammo & Safe Play

Gel blasters are becoming more popular throughout Australia as an alternative to conventional paintball. The sport is thrilling and fun for almost everyone. 

However, concerns over gel blasters’ sustainability have been raised in recent years. Many people wonder whether the ammo used is safe for the environment (or even the players). 

The purpose of this guide is to answer some of these questions. We explore sustainable pellets and non-biodegradable options, and how you can play more eco-consciously. We also take a look at how GBU is helping to make the sport greener for the planet, whether you’re a veteran or a new player. 

What Are Biodegradable Gel Balls?

Biodegradable gel balls look and feel the same as conventional gel balls, but are made of safe materials that will break down in the ground. The most sustainable versions are made of polymers like sodium polyacrylate, which, unlike conventional gel balls, paint or plastic, will disintegrate when exposed to sunlight and moisture.

Furthermore, the breakdown products from these sustainable options are non-toxic. Therefore, even residues are harmless to the environment, once processed by soil microbes. 

In practice, this means that gel balls used in games biodegrade in a matter of weeks, not centuries. The environment breaks them down, similar to food waste. This compares well to non-biodegradable alternatives that can sit on the ground for years and never disappear. 

What’s The Difference Between Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Gel Ammo?

By definition, you can get two types of gel ammo for use with gel blasters: non-biodegradable and biodegradable. 

Can you guess which we like most?

Biodegradable ammo is non-toxic (usually made from bio-based polymers) and will break down in the ground fairly quickly (usually only a few weeks). As such, it has a minimal environmental footprint, making it ideal for play surfaces where cleanup is challenging. 

Non-biodegradable gel balls are made from synthetic plastics that don’t break down in the ground easily and make pollution worse. Their particles can end up in the water supply, food, and oceans if not managed and disposed of responsibly, meaning ultimately, they may harm ecosystems and human health. 

We’re glad the gel blaster scene is moving in the direction of biodegradable options. Players want to blast with their friends guilt-free. 

How To Stay Safe With Eco-Friendly Gel Blasting

Biodegradable gel ammo might be safe for the environment, but players still need to exercise caution (just as they would for conventional pellets). 

Here’s our safety advice: 

Ensure You Hydrate Your Balls Properly

As always, you should ensure that you hydrate gel pellets properly according to the instructions before playing. If you don’t, you could change their firing characteristics and damage your equipment. Gel balls need to attain a specific moisture level before they are safe to enter blaster mechanisms. 

Gear For Safety

You also want to check you have gear that will keep you safe while blasting. Being hit with a pellet at close range won’t kill you, but it could cause damage if you aren’t wearing protection. 

At GBU, we recommend all players use protective eyewear, gloves, and suitable clothing. Proper gear will keep sensitive areas safe and ensure you’re having fun and not at the emergency department. 

Depending on the surface, you may also want to wear knee and elbow pads. These can protect you if you fall (which is quite likely in fast-paced games). 

Stay In Designated Areas

Don’t try to expand your gel blasting game outside designated areas. Ensure you are at a proper facility or on private land with nobody else around. 

If you go outside of the designated area, you could scatter pellets into natural areas. You might also injure someone innocently walking by. 

Store Your Balls Properly

Lastly, consider your storage. Check you’re storing your balls in the right place, keeping them cool and preventing premature breakdown.

You can learn more about our safety policies and advice in this video: 

GBU’s Eco-Friendly Priorities

At Gel Ball Undercover, we’re leading the pack in the gel blaster community by offering a range of sustainable and biodegradable eco-friendly gel balls. These prevent plastic waste from accumulating and spreading into the environment where it could cause harm. 

 

However, we don’t stop there. We also supply other sustainable products, like reusable ammo containers, allowing you to reduce waste further. Therefore, buying from us means you’re doing your bit for the planet while also gaining access to some of the highest quality gel blasting equipment available online. 

So, Are Gel Blasters Eco-Friendly?

Our answer to this question is that they can be -- certainly much more so than competing sports, like paintball. With biodegradable balls, you can essentially eliminate harmful waste from your play sessions, knowing that any stray ammo will simply break down due to sunlight and soil microbes. 

So, are you ready to make your gel blasting addiction more sustainable? Check out our collection of gel blasters and equipment today.