The circle of it: This company has created a compostable plastic material that can be used in a variety of applications to replace plastic.
BALENA
Summary
Balena is a material science company that is working on creating bio-based thermoplastic. The company has developed flexible bioplastic that is compostable in an industrial facility. It can be used to replace most plastic applications, which makes it appealing to many industries. They started by focusing on footwear, which are traditionally difficult to recycle and make environmentally sustainable because they are usually made using a mix of synthetic materials that are difficult to process and recycle. To that end, Balena’s resin products (BioCir, BioCirx, BioFlex, etc.) make it possible for companies to replace plastic in their products. They have collaborated with other companies to create circular handbags, shoes and other products. The materials can be used for injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing using filaments or pellets. (Source) The company came out with compostable sandals in 2022, called BioCir Slides, which were earth-toned sandals. Designed and manufactured in Italy, the BioCir Slides recycle the landfill and textile waste of the fashion industry as the company at least partly utilizes its materials from discarded, improperly recycled clothing and accessories. (Source) After use, Balena also offers a Take-Back Program for their shoes. (Source)
Story
Founder David Roubach founded the company in 2020. Prior to founding Balena, he co-founded “The Fridge,” a nonprofit focused on reducing food waste. David studied Business Administration at Reichman University and majored in Fashion and Sustainability at the University of Bocconi in Milan. (Source)
Pic credit: GreenProphet (right) and Israel21c (top)
“As a consumer, I think we are used to thinking only about the first step of buying. But you don’t think about what you’ll do with the product at the end of its life, or when you no longer want it. I think one problem behind this is that there is a lack of clarity when it comes to product information. So I think that first of all, all companies need to be more transparent. For example, we think that all clothing labels should include instructions for how to handle its disposal. This information should be as clear as what the product is made of or how to wash it. It’s as simple as that. If we can get brands to do this, and policymakers to prioritize this, we can create positive change throughout the rest of the system in terms of consumption, production, and even regulation.”
Tzachi Shem Tov (Head of Operations) in an interview
Founder(s)
David Roubach
Headquarters
Tel Aviv, Israel
In business since
2020
Technology
Creating a compostable thermoplastic for a variety of applications
Impact
The Circular People 
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