Fireworks were banned on New Year’s Eve 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. The Association of the Pyrotechnic Industry is now expecting demand to be as high as last year – despite many prohibition zones.
A three-digit million sum was shot into the sky in this country at the turn of the year last year. People in Germany spent 180 million euros on New Year’s Eve rockets, bangers and firecrackers in 2022.
This was record sales for the pyrotechnics industry. “The demand was huge, the pent-up demand was obviously high,” said managing director Klaus Gotzen. Fireworks were banned on New Year’s Eve 2020 and 2021 due to the corona pandemic. The association representative emphasized that the industry is optimistic that demand will be high again this year.
Firecracker ban zones to protect those celebrating
Meanwhile, many cities and municipalities have decided to impose restrictions on New Year’s Eve celebrations at the turn of the year. According to a survey by the dpa news agency, there are ban zones for firecrackers in some larger cities on the night of December 31st to January 1st. Central places and areas in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Hanover, Bremen, Nuremberg, Augsburg, Trier, Weimar and Göttingen are affected.
The ban zones are intended, among other things, to protect celebrants from injuries. Elsewhere it is about protecting buildings and infrastructure from fires caused by stray firecrackers.
No bangers near churches and hospitals
Regardless of New Year’s Eve, no pyrotechnics may be ignited near churches, hospitals, children’s and retirement homes, or thatched and half-timbered houses all year round. A nationwide ban applies here.
Fireworks are repeatedly criticized, not only because of the waste, but also because of the environmental, noise and health impact as well as the risk of injury.
The industry makes 90 percent of sales around New Year’s Eve
The industry has been relying on packaging with less plastic since last year. According to the Pyrotechnics Association, rocket tip caps, stands or fuse covers that were previously made of plastic have been replaced by cardboard or plant fibers. By reducing the amount of plastic, “hundreds of tons of waste would be saved,” said association leader Gotzen.
The fireworks industry generates 90 percent of annual sales on the three working days before New Year’s Eve. On December 28th The sale of rockets and firecrackers is to begin nationwide.