BioCirflex®: Innovative sustainable material in the footwear industry
In the ever-evolving landscape of the industry, the constant search for more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has led to innovative developments. In this context, BioCirflex®, an advanced thermoplastic elastomer, emerges as a key player in the transition towards more ecological practices.
This highly flexible and fully compostable material represents a radical change compared to traditional materials based on fossil fuels. Its versatility allows mass production through injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing with filaments or pellets, opening up a range of possibilities for the footwear industry and beyond.
With a Shore hardness ranging from 70A to 90A, and the ability to be foamed down to a hardness as low as 50A, BioCirflex® offers a broad spectrum of applications. Its biological origin, with over 50% derived from natural sources, positions it as a leading choice in creating a variety of advanced and sustainable products, including buttons, eyewear frames, soles, and footwear. This thermoplastic elastomer not only delivers exceptional performance but also addresses the urgent need to replace unsustainable materials in the footwear industry, such as POM, PP, PA, and PBT.
The footwear industry faces a significant challenge in terms of environmental impact. Every year, millions of shoes end up in landfills or are incinerated, contributing to pollution and generating vast amounts of waste. The slow decomposition of conventional materials further exacerbates this environmental burden.
BALENA, a company dedicated to research, development, and production of new recyclable materials, driven by the urgent need for transformative solutions, has created a new alternative. Their goal is clear: to offer completely compostable footwear, challenging conventional practices and setting new standards for sustainability and circularity in the footwear industry.
As an integral part of the strategy to close circularity gaps, these products stand as a significant milestone. The slides, made entirely with BioCir, encapsulate BALENA's vision into a tangible product. Launched in the summer of 2022 at an exclusive event in Tel Aviv, they quickly sold out, demonstrating market demand and acceptance for sustainable and high-quality products.
The technical development process of BioCirflex and BioCir slides has been characterized by a rigorous focus on circularity and sustainability. Project mentors led an innovation and circularity journey, starting with biodegradable material tests in footwear, extending to monoblock sandals, and culminating in BioCir slides.
The sole, designed with BioCir's cutting-edge technology, represents a revolutionary step in sustainable footwear innovation. Carefully developed to seamlessly and harmoniously integrate with the environment, this sole not only offers exceptional performance but also embraces biodegradability as an essential part of its design.
The life cycle of products made with BioCir concludes responsibly through the mechanism of biological recycling. The complete decomposition and biodegradation of the material returned to the soil in industrial composting facilities mark a milestone in achieving fully circular processes. BALENA's partnership with a global network of industrial composting facilities ensures the safe and complete decomposition of BioCir-based products, closing the circle from production to degradation without leaving any negative impact on compost quality.
BALENA has not only introduced revolutionary products but has also set a standard for the footwear industry. Their focus on innovation, sustainability, and circularity is a beacon for other companies, demonstrating that it is possible to thrive while actively addressing environmental impact.
BioCirflex and BioCir slides represent a firm step towards a more sustainable future in the footwear industry. The company has shown that technical innovation and circularity can coexist, offering not only exceptional products but also a model to follow for an industry seeking transformation and embracing more responsible practices. With a continued commitment to research and development, BALENA leads the way towards a world where fashion and sustainability go hand in hand, and the footwear industry can leave a positive footprint on our planet.
