Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
Balena is a material science company, developing advanced, compostable, recyclable, and bio-based thermoplastic materials.
Sector
Textile Innovation
type
Research
funding
N/A
Balena is an innovative materials science company based in Tel Aviv, Israel, focused on developing sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Founded in 2020, the company specializes in creating compostable and biodegradable thermoplastic materials, with their flagship product, BioCir®, standing out as the world's first fully compostable and biodegradable flexible thermoplastic. Balena aims to tackle the growing environmental crisis caused by plastic waste by offering materials that align with circular economy principles, making them not only environmentally friendly but also functional for various industries, including fashion and footwear.
One of the key products in Balena’s portfolio is BioCir®, which has been designed to replace traditional fossil-based plastics. This material is engineered to break down safely at the end of its life cycle, providing a solution to the issue of plastic waste that lasts in landfills for centuries. BioCir® can be processed using common manufacturing techniques such as injection molding and 3D printing, making it adaptable for a wide range of applications. In addition, Balena promotes sustainability through its Take-Back Program, which encourages the return of products made from BioCir® for composting and biodegradation, thus ensuring a responsible end-of-life cycle.
In addition to BioCir®, Balena has also developed BioCirFlex3D, a flexible filament specifically created for 3D printing. This product enables the on-demand production of durable, flexible, and biodegradable items, which can be used in industries like fashion, footwear, and consumer goods. Through collaborations with leading companies such as Vivobarefoot and designers like Zulu Kuki, Balena is pushing the boundaries of sustainable design by integrating their materials into innovative products that reduce waste and environmental impact.
The Balena team is composed of experts from various fields, including research and development, branding, and operations. Key team members include Yael Roth, the R&D Manager, who leads the development of new materials, and Tzachi Shem Tov, the Head of Operations, who oversees the business side of the company. With a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, Balena is positioning itself as a leader in the movement toward more sustainable and eco-friendly materials in the consumer goods sector. Through its cutting-edge products and commitment to sustainability, Balena is helping reshape industries with more environmentally responsible alternatives.