Balena develops BioCir®, a biopolymer material that can be processed like conventional plastics and biodegrades into renewable biomass, eliminating waste at the end of its lifecycle. This technology addresses the environmental impact of traditional fossil-based plastics by providing a sustainable alternative with a safe end-of-life solution.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
The footwear and durable consumer goods industries rely heavily on traditional fossil-based plastics, which lack environmentally safe end-of-life solutions, leading to significant waste and environmental harm. Current disposal methods result in long decomposition times and negative impacts on ecosystems.
Solution
Balena is a material science company that develops high-performance biopolymer materials engineered for circularity. Its BioCir® material can be processed using conventional plastic manufacturing techniques, offering a seamless transition for manufacturers. Designed to replace traditional plastics in durable consumer goods, BioCir® enables products to be returned to industrial composting facilities at the end of their use. Through biodegradation, BioCir® breaks down into renewable biomass, leaving no harmful waste or negative environmental impact.
Target Audience
Balena's primary customers are manufacturers in the footwear, fashion, and durable consumer goods industries seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics.
Features
- BioCir® material is a fully compostable biopolymer designed to replace fossil-based plastics.
- Can be processed using standard plastic manufacturing methods like 3D printing, injection molding, and extrusion.
- Biodegrades into renewable biomass in industrial composting facilities, adhering to ASTM D6400-04 and EN 13432 standards.
- Suitable for a range of durable consumer goods, including footwear and 3D printing filaments.
- Facilitates a "scan-to-print-to-soil" process for custom-fit, compostable products.