As you know, the textile industry is on the podium of the most polluting activities in the world. It alone produces 10% of global CO2 emissions and 2.1 billion tons of waste per year. Fortunately, more and more solutions are developing to offer alternative solutions, like the material science company Balena, which has developed biodegradable slides that turn into earth when worn.
The company, based in Tel Aviv and Milan, has thus designed shoes from a material called BioCir, which it has developed itself. It is actually a biodegradable elastomer, which is considered a stronger, more flexible, and more durable substitute for plastic or rubber.
The material is 60% biobased, which means that it is mainly composed of organic matter of plant or animal origin. In this way, it will be able to be easily upgraded and transformed again.
The start-up then offers its customers the option of returning their recyclable sandals when they no longer use them so that it can compost them in its factories. a particular ambition that testifies to its desire to have a positive impact on the planet by ensuring that recycling is carried out correctly.
Credits: Balena
The first 1,000 pairs of Balena in natural cinnamon shades were unveiled in summer 2022 and are currently out of stock. A next drop should take place in the coming months. To go even further in its approach, Balena is considering partnering with major brands to revisit the fashion of tomorrow. To find out more, you can visit the official Balena website.
